What is a common symptom of osteoarthritis?

Heberden's nodes are a common symptom associated with osteoarthritis, specifically affecting the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers. These bony enlargements appear as the condition progresses, manifesting as a visible sign of joint degeneration and losing cartilage and bone changes due to osteoarthritis.

While morning stiffness is indeed a symptom present in osteoarthritis, it tends to improve with movement as the day progresses, making it less specific than Heberden's nodes. Joint inflammation and fever are more characteristic of inflammatory arthritides, such as rheumatoid arthritis, rather than osteoarthritis, which is more a degenerative joint disease. Hence, observing Heberden's nodes can be a clear indication that points towards a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.