Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease and cause of disabilities, especially in the elder people (more than 80 percent of the population over 55 years of age is affected by osteoarthritis).
Also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, it occurs when the cartilage that normally covers and cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It is characterized by cartilage erosion, changes in subchondral bone, osteophyte formation and synovial inflammation.
This disorder can develop in any joint in the body, but most commonly affects knees, hips, hands, neck and lower back.
The main symptoms of OA are chronic pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.
