Pain is the main problem associated with degenerative arthritis. At first, pain is related to an activity. Usually, once the activity gets underway there is little pain, but after resting for several minutes, pain and stiffness increase. In later stages of degenerative arthritis, pain may be present even at rest and may interfere with sleep. Swelling may occur around the joint, and the joint may fill with fluid and feel tight, especially following increased activity. When all the cartilage is worn from the joint surface, the joint may squeak when moved. Doctors refer to this sound as crepitus.

Degenerative arthritis will eventually affect the motion of a joint. The joint becomes stiff and loses motion. Certain motions can become painful, and it may become difficult to trust the joint when you lift objects in certain positions. The body has a pain reflex; when a joint is put into a position that causes pain, the muscles around the joint may stop working without warning. This reflex can lead to dropping heavy objects