About Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is characterised by mild to debilitating pain, which can involve almost any joint but, in particular, weight bearing joints such as the hip, knee, spine and feet.
OA refers to a degeneration of the articular cartilage that makes up the joint surface. This breakdown removes the soft buffer between the bones and can, when severe, result in bone against bone friction, which can cause severe pain and loss of movement.
Most commonly, OA affects people 45 years of age or over. Women are more prone to the disease.
Symptoms include:
- Joint pain or aching – at the time of exercise but also when resting if the osteoarthritis is severe
- Reduced movement and progressive stiffness of the joint
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