What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition that develops when the cartilage cushioning your joint deteriorates and the joint surfaces, called articular surfaces, begin to experience increased friction. Though it can occur in any joint, OA is most common in the knees, hips, hands and spine. When OA becomes severe and the cartilage wears away, the articular surfaces of your bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion. The joint may lose its normal shape over time. Bone spurs—small growths called osteophytes—may grow on the edges of your joint. Pieces of bone or cartilage can also break off and float inside the joint space, causing even more damage and pain. OA is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time, although every sufferer progresses at a different rate. OA can also come from a joint injury.

How OA Affects Your Everyday Life

Left untreated, OA causes pain and can limit your ability to move. This can affect everyday activities like walking, driving, lifting, standing and exercising—even lying down to sleep or rest.

How Is OA Treated?

OA treatment can involve exercise, physiotherapy, home care, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, injection treatments, arthroscopic surgery, open knee surgery and complementary and alternative treatments.