Osteoarthritis

A joint disorder in which the cartilage that lines the joints degenerates.  Though anyone can be affected, this form of arthritis often stems from excessive wear and tear on joints from obesity, traumatic injury such as knee injuries or sports injuries which injure tendons, ligaments, or cartilage, or pressure from physical deformities.  Cartilage covering the ends of the bones at the joints becomes eroded.  The bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.   Treatment includes medically  supervised exercise program, weight loss,  and pain control.  See Arthritis.