Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is also known as degenerative joint disease. In this form of arthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones that connect at the joint wears away, exposing the bone and causing pain. This condition may also involve a decrease in the amount of joint fluid, called synovial fluid, that cushions the joint, as well as changes in the ligaments and muscles that stabilize the joint.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, can be a condition that develops without any pre-existing factors, or can occur as a result of another condition. When OA occurs without another condition present, it is usually associated with age, although not every older person develops OA. There is a strong hereditary component to OA, as members of the same family often develop the condition. OA also develops as the result of other conditions, such as prior injuries, congenital hip deformities, diabetes, obesity, and infections.

The primary symptom of OA is pain. Swelling is usually mild. Stiffness does occur, especially as the disease advances. A joint may become painful and stiff to the point that it becomes immobile if no treatment is provided.

OA is not curable and the damage caused is permanent. The symptoms can be controlled through conservative treatment of the symptoms, including:

*getting enough rest
*regular exercise
*diet and weight control
*joint protection techniques
*anti-inflammatory pain medication
*topical pain treatments

These techniques are often enough to slow the progression of OA and preserve the joint for many years. Chiropractic or Physical Therapy may also be helpful periodically to manage periods of increased pain or instability.

When OA becomes advanced or a joint becomes too unstable to use, surgical intervention may be necessary. One form of surgery used is a joint fusion, where the joint involved is fused together to provide stability and relieve pain. The joint becomes immobile. This type of surgery is often done on the neck or back. The other type of surgery used is a joint replacement, where the worn out ends of the bone are removed and replaced with metal ends, providing a metal joint. A hip replacement is a common example of this type of surgery.

For more information about OA, please visit The Arthritis Foundation website at the http://www.arthritis.org