Which symptom is commonly associated with knee OA on examination?

• A. Redness
• B. Crepitus
• C. Fever
• D. Numbness

Answer: (B)

In knee osteoarthritis, a hallmark on examination is crepitus—the crackling, grinding, or grating sensation or sound you can feel or hear as the knee moves. This happens because the protective cartilage has worn down and the rough, irregular articular surfaces rub against each other; small gas bubbles in the synovial fluid may also burst with movement, producing the audible or palpable crackle. Crepitus is commonly associated with OA and helps distinguish it from other knee problems.

Redness and fever point more toward inflammatory or infectious processes rather than OA, and numbness suggests nerve involvement rather than a joint degenerative condition.