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 This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
OsteoarthritisDefinitionOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. Alternative NamesHypertrophic osteoarthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Degenerative joint disease; DJD; OA; Arthritis - osteoarthritis CausesMost of the time, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA. The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55, it is more common in women. The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.
OA can be primary or secondary. Primary OA occurs without any type of injury or obvious cause. Secondary OA is osteoarthritis due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of secondary OA are:
SymptomsThe symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Some people might not have symptoms. Exams and TestsA physical exam can show:
An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of the joint space, and in advanced cases, wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs. TreatmentThis version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional. Support GroupsFor more information and support, see arthritis resources. Outlook (Prognosis)Your movement may become very limited. Treatment generally improves function. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis. PreventionWeight loss can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women. ReferencesGregory PJ, Sperry M, Wilson AF. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77:177-184. Glass GG. Osteoarthritis. Dis Mon. 2006;52:343-362.
Review Date:
5/5/2008 Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. 
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