Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, especially among older people. It mostly affects the cartilage. The surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together causing pain, swelling and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape and bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Small parts of the bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage.

Sometimes osteoarthritis is called degenerative joint disease.