Osteoarthritis can be defined as a disease which is responsible for the breakdown of the joints followed by severe joint pains and stiffness. Osteoarthritis occurs in the areas of joints and legs, hips, knee and spine are the body parts which get affected by osteoarthritis. You can also feel pain at the joint at the thumb base, joint at the base of the toe and finger joints. Wrist, elbows, shoulder, ankles and jaws are the seldom affected by osteoarthritis.

It is most commonly found in people of age above 60 years and most common form of disease found in human beings. Hypertrophic arthritis, arthrosis, degenerative joint disease is some of other names of osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis is common but only few people get severely affected by it. Medically there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but proper treatment and correct measures will help to relieve pain and avoid further serious problems. 

The cartilage surrounding the joints is flexible and filled with lubricating fluid. Osteoarthritis makes this cartilage stiff due to which it loses its elasticity and is prone to damage. Over a period of time the cartilage will wear out leaving the bones at the joint rubbing against one another which is the result of excruciating pain at the time of movement.