| "> | | | | is more common the older a person becomes, and is |
| Osteoarthritis is a time related joint degenerative | | | | the most prevalent joint condition in human |
| condition, the incidence rising rapidly with age, making | | | | populations. The most affected joints vary, with |
| it the commonest arthritic condition in the world. It | | | | some people having spinal and finger changes whilst |
| develops in various joints in the human body and in | | | | other suffer OA of the major joints such as the hips |
| some people it particularly affects the large | | | | and the knees. Major joint disease is more disabling |
| weight-bearing joints of the hip and the knee. As the | | | | as it tends to compromise normal mobility and so |
| joint surfaces deteriorate the joint becomes painful, | | | | reduce independence. The patient can suffer from |
| crunches, loses range of motion and becomes difficult | | | | loss of knee movement, reduction of knee power, |
| to walk on. When conservative measures are not | | | | grating and crunching of the joint and pain, for which |
| helpful, such as physiotherapy, analgesics, walking aids | | | | weight loss, muscle strengthening, painkilling |
| and weight loss, then knee replacement is considered. | | | | medication and physiotherapy can be useful. |
| Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition which | | | | |