Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. In osteoarthritis, cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together. The joint then loses shape and alignment. As they thicken, bony growths (spurs) form on the bone ends and pieces of cartilage and bone float in the joint space. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint and may only involve a couple of joints. Joints most often affected are knees, hips, back, fingers and feet. Its severity can range from mild to severe.