• Stage 0 (normal)

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3

• Stage 4 (severe)

Stage 0 of OA is that the joint is perfectly fine, there is no symptoms of OA or joint function impairment, thus no treatment is needed.

Stage 1 of OA is that the joint may have minor loss of cartilage but not enough no compromise the joints. However, a patient with Stage 1 OA will experience no pain or discomfort.

Stage 2 of OA is that the cartilage is still in its healthy size, however symptoms such as pain after a long day of running or walking, joint stiffness when not used for a few hours or the tenderness when bending or kneeling will be experienced.

Stage 3 of OA is when the cartilage between the bones displays obvious damage. Patient with stage 3 OA is most probably experienced frequent pain when using the joints such as walking, running, kneeling, or bending. Stiffness of joints may also experience after sitting for long periods of time or when waking up in the morning. Swelling of joints may occur after long periods of motion.

Stage 4 of OA is considered severe where the joint experiences great pain and discomfort upon moving the joint. The joint space between the bones has drastically reduced. The cartilage has almost deteriorated completely, and the stiffness of joints may cause immobility. The synovial fluid loses its function to reduce friction between the joints.