Osteoarthritus

Were you looking for information about
 Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritus is a common misspelling of osteoarthritis.
 
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a disease that is especially common in older people. More than 20 million Americans are affected by it. In a person who has this condition, cartilage has worn away, which allows bones to rub together. Common symptoms can include joint pain and limited movement.
 
The most common locations for osteoarthritis are the hands, neck, lower back, and the large weight-bearing joints of the body (such as the knees and hips). Treatment can involve exercise, medicines, surgery, or alternative therapies. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent this disease, certain lifestyle changes can help. For example, regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and staying at a healthy weight can reduce your risk.
 
(Click Osteoarthritis for the full eMedTV article on this topic. This article provides more detail about osteoarthritis symptoms and treatment options, as well as additional statistics on who the disease affects. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD