Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis

I have joint pain. Does this mean that I have osteoarthritis?

If you experience joint pain, chances are that you do not have arthritis. There are many more people who have joint pain than those who have arthritis. In addition, joint pain often comes and goes, whereas arthritis is chronic.

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, you may feel some pain or stiffness in the joint, especially after the joint has been used more than usual. For example, you may notice pain after a walk that is longer than typical. You also may feel stiffness in the joint after you rest. Once you are active again, the stiffness usually takes a few minutes to go away.

You also may have osteoarthritis and not feel it. Many people experience changes in their joints because of osteoarthritis, but do not feel pain or stiffness.