It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage and loss of lubrication in the joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and without it, the bones rub against each other causing pain and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis is most likely to affect the hips, knees or finger joints, but it can affect any joint in the body. The most common treatments for the disease are exercise and pain medication. However, many patients suffer from it so badly, that the only hope for relief from the pain is to actually replace the arthritic joint.
Doctors have replacement parts for knees, hips, shoulders and fingers for osteoarthritis patients.