Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down.

The wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage) occurs gradually and worsens over time.

Joint pain in the hands, neck, lower back, knees or hips is the most common symptom.

Medication, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery can help reduce pain and maintain joint movement

.What causes osteoarthritis? Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Repetitive use of the joints over the years causes damage to the cartilage that leads to joint pain and swelling.

Last Updated on: May 20, 2024