Osteoarthritis is a joint disease where degeneration of the cartilage that lines joints or by osteophyte (bony outgrowth) forms and leads to pain, stiffness, and occasionally loss of function of the joint.

Osteoarthritis differs from rheumatoid arthritis and has a much more treatable outlook. Osteoarthritis occurs because of excessive wear and tear of joints in every day life. Weight bearing joints, like knees,hips,neck, and lower back are most often affected. Osteoarthritis occurs three times more often in women than men.

The normal joint surface is lined with a smooth cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid. An osteoarthritic joint becomes rough and flaky where small pieces break off to form loose bodies. Osteophyte are narrow outgrowth of new bone that appear at margins of the joint surfaces.

Osteoarthritis occurs in almost everyone over 60 years old even if no symptoms are present. If Osteoarthritis appears earlier in life it may be due to factors like:

Injury to a joint

Congenital joint deformity

Rheumatoid arthritis onset

Obesity

Misalignment of bones or slight deformity

Inflammation from disease

Symptoms are in one or more joints causing one or more of the following:

Pain with motion

Swelling

Creaking

Stiffness

Interference with walking

Interference with dressing

Interference with sleeping

Weakness of muscle

Shrinkage of muscle

Enlargement of joint

Distorted joint

Gnarled appearance

Joint tenderness

Once diagnosis is made based on history of joint pain , tenderness, and other symptoms an X-ray can confirm cartilage loss and osteophyte formation. If the x-ray shows narrowing of the joint or the joint space has osteophyte production has taken place or bone density has ended then a diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made. This will determine extent of the degenerative process. There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Symptoms can be treated with analgesic (painkiller) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be injected if the pain becomes too unbearable.

Some self help treatment a person might engage in would be swimming because regular exercise to strengthen muscles and maintain joint mobility. Swimming in heated pools helps muscle strength without undue strain on joints. Some home remedies such as aspirin or indomethacin are very useful.

Physical therapy with exercise, heat, and various disability aids (wheel-chairs, etc) can help. Surgical treatment for severe osteoarthritis including surgery like arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) and artrodesis (immobilization of a joint). As always your doctor should advise you on the best treatment.