The joints most often affected in generalized osteoarthritis include the following: Distal interphalangeal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints (causing Heberden and Bouchard nodes) Thumb carpometacarpal joint (the most commonly painful hand joint) Intervertebral disks and zygapophyseal joints in the cervical and lumbar vertebrae First metatarsophalangeal joint Hip Knee Cervical and lumbar spinal osteoarthritis may lead to myelopathy or radiculopathy.