Called the "wear and tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Nearly all vertebrates suffer from osteoarthritis, including porpoises and whales, and those long-extinct giants, the dinosaurs. It is a chronic disease in which the cartilage breaks down. Cartilage is a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing the bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. When cartilage in a joint deteriorates osteoarthritis occurs.

Joint pain Joint stiffness Joint tenderness Limited range-of-motion Crepitus (crackling, grinding noise with movement) Joint effusion (swelling) Local inflammation Bony enlargements and osteophyte formation

MMedication Options PPain Relief NNatural Remedies OOsteoarthritis Diet and Exercise JJoint Surgery Options OOsteoarthritis Research

1 - Maintain Your Ideal Body Weight 2 - Exercise Regularly and Participate in Regular Physical Activity 3 - Protect Your Joints 4 - Avoid Repetitive Stress on the Joints 5 - Listen to Your Pain 6 - Avoid Injury to Joints