Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, it normally occurs when the cartilage becomes damaged due to aging or due to injury or illness.

The cartilage is designed to cushion the ends of the bones that are located in the joints. This prevents them from rubbing together which causes a person to feel pain. When the cartilage is damaged, it can become rough along the surface creating pain when the joint is used. When the cartilage deteriorates, the bones can rub together which can also be very painful.

Osteoarthritis causes pain, swelling and fewer motions in joints. It can occur in any bone joint but prominently it occurs in hip, spine, knees and hands. It is a commonly occurring kind of arthritis.

Types:  There are two types include

Idiopathic osteoarthritis - Idiopathic OA has no particular cause. It may be localized (present to one or two joints) or generalized (present in three or more joints).

Secondary osteoarthritis - Secondary OA is caused by distinct underlying conditions like, accumulation of calcium inside the joint, avascular necrosis, previous joint injury, rheumatoid arthritis and medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, and hypothyroidism.