Take Control of Osteoarthritis

Osteoart osteoarthritis hritis (OA), also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.

Learn more facts about osteoarthritis.

Find out how to manage your pain.

Osteoarthritis in the News

December 15, 2008 - Read the latest recommendations by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on the treatment of osteoarthritis.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2008 – In people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), those who are obese are more likely to develop advanced, end-stage disease than those who are of healthy weight, according to research funded in part by the Arthritis Foundation and presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.

Read the full story.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2008 – Having flat feet is associated with an increased prevalence of knee pain and cartilage damage in older adults according to research funded by the Arthritis Foundation. Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine and the Institute on Aging Research in Boston presented the findings at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco this week.

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In October 2008, Arthritis & Rheumatism published a study on the effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, currently affects 27 million of the 46 million people in the United States with arthritis. Recent data show that one in two Americans are at risk for knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime.

Read the comment.

On Monday, September 29, 2008, USA Today published a column on Osteoarthritis Solutions: Good News for Bad Knees. Dr. Patience White, the Arthritis Foundation's Chief Public Health Officer discusses some of those solutions in the article.

Read the full article.

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study on arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, currently affects 27 million of the 46 million people in the United States with arthritis. In addition, one in two Americans are at risk for knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime.

Atlanta, September 3, 2008- A landmark government study suggests nearly one in two people (45.5%) will develop knee osteoarthritis by age 85, with the highest risk among those who are obese or have a history of a knee injury. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the study underscores the immediate need for the public to understand what they can do to reduce the tremendous pain, disability and cost associated with arthritis. Read the full press release.

Read more about the study, read an interview with the study's author, learn about how the study was done, and find out more about the study participants.

Wondering if You Have Arthritis?

osteoarthritis Find out if you are at risk of getting arthritis and how healthy your joints are by taking a couple of quizzes to assess your risk and your symptoms. Your scores can help you determine what action you should take.

Arm Yourself With Information

Learn more about osteoarthritis, and other forms of arthritis, in the Disease Center.

Move your body. Exercise protects your joints by strengthening the muscles around them. The Arthritis Foundation can help you get started in an exercise program with its Life Improvement Series.

See the latest in osteoarthritis research, including OA 15 Years After ACL Tear and Meniscus Repair After Injury.

Find out how to live better with Arthritis Today's Focus on OA.

Order the free osteoarthritis brochure and exercise brochure.

Learn how to have Good Living with Osteoarthritis and get Tips for Good Living with Arthritis.

Find out how to Change Your Life.

Get Involved

Connect with others who have arthritis in the Arthritis Foundation's communities. Get involved in a discussion, start a blog, post photos and more.

Involve yourself in grassroots advocacy and make your personal stories and opinions known to those in Congress.