Osteoarthritis is the most common and well-known type of arthritis and affects approximately 30 million people in the United States. Typically a form of wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis happens as a result of overuse of a joint over a long period of time. As this condition progresses, the smooth, rubbery connective tissue on the end of bones that cushion the joint, helping bones move smoothly, wears down until the bones are painfully rubbing against one another.
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Symptoms of osteoarthritis tend to develop very slowly, so it’s important to pay attention if symptoms have been getting worse over time.
As osteoarthritis develops, so may the following symptoms:
Osteoarthritis is most commonly an age-related condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, however, there are many risk factors that influence this degeneration, including:
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, find out more about your condition with our interactive condition assessment tool.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help maintain joint mobility, relieve pain and improve function form those suffering from the painful symptoms associated with the condition.
Early, nonsurgical treatment can help maintain joint mobility, improve strength, and relieve pain. Most treatment programs combine lifestyle modifications, medication, and physical therapy.
Common non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis include:
If early treatments do not stop the pain or if they lose their effectiveness, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for osteoarthritis include:
If you are suffering from painful symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and are ready to take the next step, try our interactive treatment finder below to find right treatment for you.