Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis (Degenerative Arthritis) which is caused by the breakdown of the loss of cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein that serves as a cushion between the bones of the joints. Among the 100 different types of arthritis conditions, Osteoarthritis is the most common form, affecting over 20 million people. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in men. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in women. In the United States, all races are equally affected. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the feet, spine, hands, hips and knees. There is no known cause for most Osteoarthritis cases; these cases are referred to as primary Osteoarthritis. When the cause is known, the condition is then called secondary Osteoarthritis.