Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis) is the most common form of arthritis. The condition is characterized by a wearing down of the cartilage around the joints. While osteoarthritis can strike any joint in your body, the most commonly affected joints include the hands, hips, knees, neck, and lower back. Symptoms will continue to worsen with time.

Causes and Symptoms

• Being overweight • A family history of the disease • Previous fractures and other joint injuries • Long-term overuse from work or playing sports • Bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) • Disorders that lessen the blood supply near a joint • Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms include joint pain that deeply aches, joints that grate while in motion, swollen joints, limited movement, increased pain during humid or moist weather, and weak muscles around arthritic joints. Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually emerge when a patient is middle aged with the majority of people showing signs by the age of 70. They tend to worsen after exercise or with weight gain. There are some people that do not show any symptoms.