Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Almost half of all people over the age of 60 and virtually all over the age of 80 will have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis has been called “wear and tear” or “degenerative” arthritis. It occurs as a result of mechanical breakdown in the structures affecting the joints. This happens most often in the large weight bearing joints – the knees, hips and spine. It often occurs in the hands, but rarely in the feet or ankles apart from the big toe. Except as a result of injury or stress, osteoarthritis seldom affects the wrist, elbow, shoulder or jaw.

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