Osteoarthritis Development

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, the tissues that act as a cushion between bones. It is one of the most common chronic forms of arthritis and typically affects individuals over the age of 65, but anyone can get it. As the disease progresses, the cartilage breaks down and wears away, leading to the bones rubbing against each other, creating pain, stiffness and a lack of mobility in the joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, with the most common sites being the hands, hips, knees, feet and spine. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving the symptoms, as there is currently no cure, however, there are a range of effective treatments available which can help reduce pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.