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.