The symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in a joint. These symptoms build up slowly in between periods of calm alternating with what are referred to as “flare-ups.” Flare-ups are often a result of changes in the weather or activity involving the affected joint, especially overuse.enerally, arthritis is defined as a disease of the joints, often resulting in joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, loss of joint function can occur. There are over 100 types of arthritis, with different signs and symptoms, and levels of severity.