• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones in a joint. When the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. OA is the most common form of arthritis and typically affects joints in the hands, hips, knees, and spine.

There are several types of OA:

1. Primary OA: This is the most common type of OA and occurs spontaneously, usually in people over the age of 50. It can be caused by normal wear and tear on the joints, but genetics and obesity are also risk factors.
2. Secondary OA: This type of OA is caused by an underlying condition or injury that damages the joints. Examples include previous joint injuries, overuse injuries, and certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Symptoms of OA may include:

• Pain: This is the most common symptom of OA and can range from mild to severe. Pain is often worse after activity and improves with rest.
• Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff and difficult to move, especially after periods of inactivity such as after sleeping.
• Swelling: Swelling can occur in the affected joints due to the accumulation of fluid.
• Loss of flexibility: As the disease progresses, the range of motion in the affected joints may become more limited.
• Creaking or grinding: The bones in the affected joints may rub against each other, causing a creaking or grinding sound.
• Bone spurs: As the disease progresses, bone spurs (extra bits of bone) may develop around the affected joints.