Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis and degenerative joint disease. It is an inflammatory condition in which the cartilage that covers joints and acts as a cushion inside joints, gradually wears away. As the surfaces of the bone become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight-bearing such as walking and standing.

The main symptom is chronic pain, causing a loss of mobility and stiffness. The pain is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine and the large weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As it progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful and usually feel worse the more they are used throughout the day.  Its cause is believed to be genetic.