Mayo Clinic. US: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting
millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on
the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the
disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and
spine.
Osteoarthritis often gradually worsens, and no cure exists. But
staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and other treatments may
slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint
function.