What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the US. OA is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis patients are mostly affected in the hands, hips and knees, experiencing pain, aching, stiffness, decreased range of motion and swelling.
Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect over 30 million people in the Unites States alone,* this equals almost 1 in every 10 people dealing with the painful effects of arthritis. The sheer number of people demonstrates why we need more research funding devoted to finding an arthritis cure.
As a degenerative joint disease, OA over time, causes inflammation and loss of cartilage in the joints. OA causes inflexibility, pain and stiffness, and is primarily felt in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine. It can, however, occur in any joint. Unlike systemic, autoimmune forms of arthritis (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), Osteoarthritis does NOT affect organs in the body.
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