Osteoarthritis (OA), also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis.             

              OA affects nearly 27 million Americans.  It typically affects only joints, such as the hips, hands, knees, low back and neck.  After the age of 50, women are more often affected by OA than men.  Loss of joint function as a result of OA is a major cause of work disability and reduced quality of life.               

          Pain, stiffness in joints after periods of inactivity or excessive use, grating or catching sensation during joint movement, and bony growths at the margins of affected joints are symptoms of osteoarthritis.              

         The cause of OA is not yet known, but certain factors increase the risk of developing OA such as; heredity, overweight, joint injury, repeated overuse of certain joints, nerve injury, and aging.             

           Management of OA varies with the severity of the symptoms and focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement. Treatment plans often include a combination of drugs, rest, physical   activity, joint protection, use of heat or cold to reduce pain, and physical or occupational therapy.