It is not usually found in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, or jaw, unless these joints have been injured or put under heavy stress. OA occurs in both men and women, and is most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older people. It can occur in people who have other forms of arthritis as well. According to the Arthritis Foundation, almost 16 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis. A joint is the place where two bones meet.
Cartilage normally covers and cushions the ends of the two bones.
This prevents the hard surfaces of the bones from rubbing together and causing damage. The bones begin to rub together as the joint is moved. The joint becomes painful, is stiff after periods of inactivity, and its movement may ultimately be limited. If you have OA, your joints will probably hurt most after you've used them too much, or after a long period of not using them much at all. In the morning, you may get up feeling stiff, but the stiffness goes away as you go about your daily movements.