Swelling
Not everyone who has osteoarthritis will experience swelling in the joints, but some do. The swelling is typically caused by the body’s reaction to irritants [7]. The tissues around the affected joints may become inflamed due to the bones rubbing against each other. The inflammation adds to the feelings of stiffness and pain that are characteristic of osteoarthritis.
The swelling may be hard and lumpy [8] if it is caused by extra bone growth. This is usually observable in the joints of the fingers. It may also be soft. This kind of swelling may be caused by the buildup of extra fluid inside the joint capsule or the thickening of the lining of the joint.