Joints often affected by osteoarthritis


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Joints often affected by osteoarthritis


Illustration of joints commonly affected by osteoarthritis

Illustration copyright 2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects and cushions joints breaks down over time. Eventually, the bones, formerly separated by cartilage, rub against each other. This results in damage to the tissue and underlying bone, causing the painful joint symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. It most often affects the joints of the spine, fingers, thumbs, hips, knees, or toes.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD

- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD

- Rheumatology
Last Updated April 20, 2007

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