Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that acts as padding between the joints breaks down. Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint that is worse after periods of inactivity.

Treatment for osteoarthritis begins with a combination of physical therapy for exercises for arthritis and medication to control pain. In late stages of the disease, surgery is also a possibility.

Choose from the topics below for peer reviewed articles on osteoarthritis symptoms and treatments

Hand weakness, pain, and stiffness are just a few symptoms of hand osteoarthritis. Learn about these and other symptoms and how doctors diagnose the condition.
Anyone can develop osteoarthritis in their hands, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as age, previous injuries, occupation, and even weight.

Several factors increase the risk of developing Shoulder Osteoarthritis in the glenohumeral joint, including previous shoulder trauma, advanced age, and congenital defects.

To diagnose shoulder osteoarthritis, physicians use investigative tools starting with a patient interview and physical exam and verification by diagnostic imaging.

Pain and stiffness at the back of the shoulder is a major symptom of Shoulder Osteoarthritis. Other signs of glenohumeral arthritis include shoulder impingement and crepitus.

A variety of Shoulder Osteoarthritis treatments are used to control joint pain and slow the degeneration. Common non-surgical shoulder arthritis treatments include activity modification, physical therapy, and medications.

There is no way to definitively test for spinal osteoarthritis. Read on to find some of the techniques doctors use to verify a patient's condition.
No one knows the exact cause of osteoarthritis in the spine. Risk factors may include advanced age, damage to vertebral discs, and more.
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