What is osteoarthritis?

鈥? Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, and sometimes referred to as "arthrosis" or "osteoarthrosis"), is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. OA is the most common form of arthritis. The word is derived from the Greek word "osteo", meaning "of the bone", "arthro", meaning "joint", and "itis", meaning inflammation, although many sufferers have little or no inflammation.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthri...
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Brittanica
A disorder of the joints, characterized by progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage. It is the most common joint disease, affecting more than 80 percent of those who reach the age of 70. Although its suffix indicates otherwise, osteoarthritis is not characterized by excessive joint inflammation.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage (ie the cushioning) in the joints starts to thin and the bones start to rub against each other. There's no cure but there's a number of treatments: taking glucosamine tablets can help but please, SEE YOUR DOCTOR before starting any new treatments :)

Isn't it like inflammation in the joints in your back.

superfox got it correct..but there are amazing things doctors can now do...see one.