Osteoarthritis is not related with single disease but it is the result of variety of disorders. Finally it results in structural and functional failure of one or more joints. This condition includes the pain in entire joint, nearby muscles, underlying bone, ligament and joint lining. In osteoarthritis there is an advance loss of cartilage. Initially the cartilage tries to repair itself. It is related with degenerative joint disease which typically affects joints in the knees, hand, hip, feet, and spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

There are varieties of causes of arthritis. Some of its important risk factors are -

1. Women: Women get often affected by the problem of osteoarthritis in comparison to men.

2. Older age: Usually osteoarthritis affects the people of older age.

3. Obesity: Risk of osteoarthritis increases with the increase in weight. So, obese person are at more risk in developing the problem of osteoarthritis.

4. Joint injuries: Sometimes due to sports injury and repetitive stress, due to some occupation also it results into the problem of osteoarthritis.

Usually the symptoms of osteoarthritis begin gradually, but over the period the condition worsen. Though there are varieties of symptoms of osteoarthritis but some of its main symptoms -

1. Aching or stiffness.
2. Growth of bones on the margins of joints.
3. Occurring intermittently.
4. Pain worsens during activity and the condition improves in the rest condition.
5. When the joint is moved, it causes a great sensation.

Usually, osteoarthritis is diagnosed after proper physical examination and also the results of an x-rays. Sometimes the doctor finds a need to take a sample of synovial fluid from the joint. On the basis of proper diagnosis, the person suffering from the problem of osteoarthritis may go for treatment.

Though there is no permanent cure for osteoarthritis but proper treatment can reduce pain and also help in improving flexibility, joint movement, and quality of life. Some of the options for treatment include:

Modifications in lifestyle and also non drug approaches like weight loss, exercise and physical therapy.

Some pain reliever medications like corticosteroid injections, acetaminophen and hyaluronic acid injections.

For severe conditions of osteoarthritis, surgery is the last option. In this condition, none of the treatments show any improvement. So at last the person suffering from the problem of osteoarthritis has to go for joint surgery with the advice of the doctor.

Proper exercise, yoga, diet etc also works in reducing the pain of the patient suffering from osteoarthritis.