OA is the most common form of arthritis. It may first appear without symptoms between 20 and 30 years of age and is present in almost everyone by the age of 70. Symptoms generally appear in middle age. However, under age 45, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is greater among men, where over age 55, the prevalence is greater for women. Approximately 40 out of 100 people are affected.
Most doctors begin by recommending a combination of medicine plus exercise and rest.
Medicine can be very helpful in reducing pain. If you can move without pain, or with less pain, you will be able to keep moving better and longer. Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support the joints. The stronger those muscles are, the more comfortable you will be. Rest is also necessary, to relax the muscles and to keep you from overusing painful joints.