The most basic pathological change in osteoarthritis is the degeneration of damaged articular cartilage. It is a total joint disease caused by fibrosis, splitting, ulceration and exfoliation of articular cartilage due to various reasons, including cartilage degeneration and loss, subchondral bone sclerosis or cystic degeneration, bone redundancy formation at the joint edge, synovial hyperplasia, joint capsule contracture, ligament degeneration or contracture, and muscle atrophy and weakness. Symptoms and signs Osteoarthritis is mainly characterized by pain, swelling, morning stiffness, joint effusion and bony hypertrophy of the affected joints, which may be accompanied by bone rubbing sounds during activities, dysfunction or deformity. Joint pain and tenderness: The most common manifestation of this disease is localized pain and tenderness in the joints. The weight-bearing joints and hands are most likely to be involved. It is usually mild or moderate intermittent pain in the early stage, which improves with rest and worsens with activity. There may be localized pressure pain in the joints, which is especially obvious when there is joint swelling. Swelling of the joints: In the early stage, there is limited swelling around the joints, and as the disease progresses, there may be diffuse swelling of the joints, thickening of the bursa or joint effusion. In the later stages, bony bulges may be palpable around the joints. Morning stiffness: Patients may experience joint stiffness and adhesion in the morning, which may be relieved after activity. The duration of morning stiffness is relatively short, rarely exceeding half an hour. Joint friction sounds: This is mainly seen in osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Cartilage destruction, roughness of the joint surface, bone rubbing sound (sensation) and twisting sensation when moving the joint, or localized pain in the joint. The threat of osteoarthritis to humans is rapidly increasing, and its pathogenesis is still unclear and needs further research, but effective prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis has become an important aspect of improving people’s quality of life.