Sn instructed about patient symptoms of ( OA ). Joint pain and stiffness. Pain and stiffness may get worse with periods of inactivity or overuse. People with osteoarthritis ( OA ) have more stiffness first thing in the morning ( usually for less than 30 minutes ) or after sitting for a prolonged period of time. Many people have more pain in their hips or knees if they walk farther than they usually do. They have weak muscles, grinding or crackling noise with motion, swelling or bumps, or loss of range of motion.