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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes swelling in osteoarthritis?

In osteoarthritis, swelling can occur from synovial fluid buildup and joint irritation, but it is usually noninflammatory. That means you may see edema around or within the joint, but the overlying skin is not red or warm to the touch. Redness and warmth point more toward inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) or infection, whereas OA tends to cause mild, often intermittent swelling without the heat and redness.

In osteoarthritis, swelling can occur from synovial fluid buildup and joint irritation, but it is usually noninflammatory. That means you may see edema around or within the joint, but the overlying skin is not red or warm to the touch. Redness and warmth point more toward inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) or infection, whereas OA tends to cause mild, often intermittent swelling without the heat and redness.