Osteoarthritis

What is it?

Points To Remember About Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a disease that damages the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. This allows bones to rub together, causing pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis occurs most often in older people. Younger people sometimes get the disease after joint injuries.
• No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. Doctors use several methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other problems.
• Treatments for osteoarthritis include medicines, nondrug pain relief techniques, surgery, and alternative therapies.
• Exercise, weight control, and other self-care activities can help you live with osteoarthritis.

A joint with severe osteoarthritis (representation)

Osteoarthritis is a disease that damages the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. This allows bones to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape.

The condition can cause bone spurs to grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, which causes more pain and damage.

Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs. It is the most common type of arthritis.