What is the most common symptom of decompression sickness?

The most common symptom of decompression sickness is joint pain, often referred to as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after being at depths that involve greater pressure, causing nitrogen dissolved in the blood to form bubbles. These bubbles can accumulate in the joints, leading to significant discomfort and pain.

Joint pain associated with decompression sickness typically presents as aching and swelling, often involving the larger joints like knees and elbows. This symptom tends to be the most recognized and reported by divers encountering this issue, making it a key indicator of the condition. Understanding this helps divers and professionals recognize the priority of monitoring for joint pain in situations where decompression sickness is a risk.