What symptom is indicative of degenerative joint disease?

Unilateral joint pain is a classic symptom of degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis. This condition primarily affects the cartilage that cushions joints, leading to wear and tear over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, individuals often experience pain that is localized to one specific joint, rather than being widespread. This contrasts with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which typically presents with symmetrical joint swelling affecting multiple joints on both sides of the body. The nature of unilateral joint pain reflects the localized impact of osteoarthritis as it commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. Understanding this helps differentiate degenerative joint disease from other types of arthritis or systemic conditions that may present with a broader range of symptoms.