Arthritis (meaning inflammation of the joints) is a condition that refers to a group of over 200 diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 1 million people in the UK. Also known as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease, this condition is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the spine, hands, feet, knee and hip joints. The disorder may also develop as a secondary condition to a previous injury, illnesses such as gout, or hormonal disturbances. Obesity can also increase the risk of the development of OA, as the extra weight puts more stress on the joints. Whilst it is rare in people under the age of 40, by the age of 65, around 50% of people have OA in one or more of their joints.
This section takes a look at how osteoarthritis develops and the symptoms it causes, along with the current methods of diagnosis and treatment.
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