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Living with Osteoarthritis
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What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes the cartilage in your joints to break down. Cartilage is a smooth substance that protects the ends of your bones and helps your joints move. Osteoarthritis becomes more common as people get older. To diagnose this disease, your doctor will ask about your health history and perform an exam. X-rays may also be needed.

2a1894
Healthy knee joint 		2b1894
Knee joint with osteoarthritis

Symptoms
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but women tend to get it in their hands. Weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee, are often affected in both men and women. Some of the more common symptoms of this disease include:
  • Joint pain and stiffness. Long periods of rest or using a joint too long or too hard can make pain and stiffness worse.
  • Weak muscles or wobbly joints.
  • Joints that have lost normal shape and motion.

 
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Last Revised 07/2009 20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON