This document provides information on osteoarthritis (OA), including:
- OA is the most common form of arthritis and joint disease, typically affecting those over age 45, especially women. It commonly occurs in joints like the fingers, thumbs, neck, back, knees and hips.
- OA can be primary (with no clear cause) or secondary (resulting from injury or other joint disease). Risk factors include age, gender, genetics, joint alignment, injury or overuse, and obesity.
- Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and tenderness. Diagnosis involves examining the joints and imaging tests. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms through medications, exercise, weight loss and joint protection. Sur