The Facts
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease which causes the cartilage to breakdown. Cartilage is a smooth shiny material that covers joints allowing them to glide easily as you move. It is a type of resilient connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones in joints. Although, OA can affect any joint in the body it more frequently affects the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. OA is the most common form of arthritis. It affects one out of every ten people in this country. Statistics show that men and women are affected in equal numbers. OA usually occurs after the age of 45, but it can occur earlier in life.
Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include:
- increasing age
- having a family member with the condition
- repeated injury to the joint through sports or work
- being overweight
- having another form of arthritis
There's no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatments currently focus on managing pain, reducing the load on the joints, and improving the strength of the muscles supporting the joints. Experimental therapies try to slow the progression of the disease and increase the mobility and flexibility of the joints.