What is osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear equally affected. A higher incidence of osteoarthritis exists in the Japanese population, while South African blacks, East Indians and Southern Chinese have lower rates.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis.

Answer 2

Osteoarthritis is arthritis that is caused by wear and tear to the joint such as the knee for example. When this wear and tear occurs the cartilage is destroyed by the wear and tear and then the joints rub against themselves.

To read more about osteoarthritis and some of the other hundred varieties of arthritis check out Arthritis for Dummies and also http://www.arthritis.about.com

Answer 3

Sorry im not sure. But the link might be some of an help

You can try using yahoo search and use certain key points like

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, cure, side effect, etc

Thing might lead you to broad and vast answer instead of bottleneck and wrong/misleading answers from people.

Happy searching

Answer 4

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative joint disease. It primarily affects cartilage within the joints, causing it to fray, wear, ulcerate, and in extreme cases, to wear away entirely, leaving a bone-on-bone joint. At the edges of the joint, bony spurs may form. OA can cause joint pain, loss of function, reduced joint motion, and deformity. Disability results most often from disease in the spine and in the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips).

Answer 5

Arthritis version

Answer 6

Arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints.

Answer 7

I think that means weakening of the bones.
Or hurting of the bones.

Answer 8

athritis in the back i would immagine