Joints often affected by osteoarthritis
Joints often affected by osteoarthritis

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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 |
| Last updated: | April 20, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
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