Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

MerckSource received the 2006 WebAward for Outstanding Website Development from the Web Marketing Association at the annual WebAward competition.






MerckSource was honored at the Healthcare Internet Conference in Atlanta, receiving the 2006 Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for best health/healthcare content.






MerckSource received the 2006 WWW site Award of Excellence from the Health Improvement Institute. This award honors excellence in health communications.






More Awards

Resource Library

Powered by:   Print This Page   Add To My Folder

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.

Krames Index Print This Article Print This Article
Living with Osteoarthritis
                        Page 1 of 5      Next  >
                               Last Page  >>

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.

 
                        Page 1 of 5      Next  >
                               Last Page  >>

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
©2001 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030.
www.staywell.com 800 333-3032. All rights reserved.
Print This Page   Add To My Folder

20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON