What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, one of more than 100 types of arthritis and related diseases, is the most prevalent type of arthritis. In the United States, about 21 million people live with the disease. Osteoarthritis is most common among adults over 65 years old but people of any age can develop the disease. Prevalence rises significantly after age 50 in men and after age 40 in women. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 70 percent of people over the age of 70 have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis most people think of when they hear someone mention "arthritis". Your grandparents or parents, depending on their age, have probably been told by their doctor that they have some degree of osteoarthritis. Terms like "wear-and-tear arthritis" or "bone-on-bone" may have been tossed around. To control osteoarthritis pain and other symptoms, it's important to understand the disease, recognize early symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis, and consider all treatment options. Read more in What is Osteoarthritis?

Related Resources:

• Osteoarthritis Symptoms
• Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
• Treatment of Osteoarthritis

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