Condition Basics

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that many people get as they age. It can happen at any age, but it is most common in older adults. Osteoarthritis is usually called arthritis.

Arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually breaks down. A joint is any place where two or more bones connect, like the knee, hip, wrist, or shoulder. When the cartilage wears down, the bones rub against each other. This causes damage and pain.

What causes it?

When you have arthritis, the cartilage that cushions and protects your joints breaks down and wears away. When it breaks down, the bones rub together and cause damage and pain. Experts don't know why this breakdown in cartilage happens.

In some cases, arthritis is caused by other conditions that damage cartilage.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis also makes it harder to bend the joint or get the full range of motion you used to have. The symptoms may be mild to severe.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor can often diagnose arthritis by asking you questions about your joint pain and other symptoms and examining you. You may also have X-rays and blood tests. Blood tests can help make sure another disease isn't causing your symptoms.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Treatment for arthritis includes pain medicines and self-care. Self-care includes exercise and activity, staying at a healthy weight, putting ice or heat on a sore joint, and resting. You may also use devices and tools designed to make everyday tasks easier on your joint.

Treatment with medicines usually starts with over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor also may recommend different or stronger medicines.

You may need to try several types of treatment to find what works for you. If your pain doesn't get better with treatment, you may decide to have surgery.

There is no cure for arthritis. But treatment can help slow or limit the breakdown of cartilage and help you reduce your pain and continue to lead an active life.