Joint Pains and Arthritis Care 101

If you have joint pain, you may have a joint condition—like osteoarthritis—that can be treated. It's important to find out so you can prevent further damage.

A joint is the space between two bones. For joint movement to be smooth and flexible, you need a layer of shock-absorption comprised of cartilage and synovial fluid.

As some people age, their cartilage layer can become thin and frayed over time. When this occurs, joints may start to feel stiff, and movement may become difficult and uncomfortable. At first, the cartilage becomes rough, but it can deteriorate to the point where the bones begin to rub against each other. The bones may even begin to form lumps. All of these stages can cause pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. OA occurs when joint cartilage and other connective tissue breaks down, causing pain and stiffness and hampering physical movement. It tends to affect commonly used joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands and is associated with risk factors such as age, obesity, trauma, overuse, and genetics. While the pain of OA can be effectively managed, there is no cure.