Which joints are commonly affected by OA?

Which joints are commonly affected by OA?

• A. Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist
• B. Knee, Hand, Hip
• C. Ankle, Foot, Toes
• D. Cervical spine only

Answer: (B)

Osteoarthritis tends to hit joints that bear weight or are used repeatedly. The knee and hip are classic weight-bearing joints prone to cartilage wear, and the hand is commonly affected, especially the thumb base (first carpometacarpal joint) and the finger joints (DIP/PIP). This pattern—knee, hand, and hip—captures the most typical distribution of OA. The other joints mentioned can develop OA, but they’re not the usual primary sites: OA of the shoulder, elbow, or wrist is less common; the ankle/foot/toes are less frequently involved; and OA isolated to the cervical spine isn’t the common presentation. Recognizing this distribution helps distinguish OA from inflammatory arthritis, which often involves multiple joints with more pronounced morning stiffness.

Osteoarthritis tends to hit joints that bear weight or are used repeatedly. The knee and hip are classic weight-bearing joints prone to cartilage wear, and the hand is commonly affected, especially the thumb base (first carpometacarpal joint) and the finger joints (DIP/PIP). This pattern—knee, hand, and hip—captures the most typical distribution of OA. The other joints mentioned can develop OA, but they’re not the usual primary sites: OA of the shoulder, elbow, or wrist is less common; the ankle/foot/toes are less frequently involved; and OA isolated to the cervical spine isn’t the common presentation. Recognizing this distribution helps distinguish OA from inflammatory arthritis, which often involves multiple joints with more pronounced morning stiffness.