The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis include knees, the smaller joints of the fingers, the hips, the joints of the big toes, and those of the lower part of the spine. Osteoarthritic involvement of the wrists, elbows or shoulders is rare, except after severe injury. The degeneration of the joint may occur as a result of injury or trauma to the joint, rheumatoid arthritis, occupational overuse, obesity, or metabolic diseases. 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.