Osteoarthritis (not to be confused with Osteoporosis) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the joints. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most commonly affects weight bearing joints (knees, hips, spine). Most common causes are advancing age, excess body weight, genetics, previous injuries, overuse of joints. Diagnosis is clinical, combined with xrays.  Treatment is aimed towards weight management (if obese/overweight), physical therapy to improve joint function and improve stiffness, topical treatments (creams/gels), physical therapy, steroid injections, OTC meds such as Tylenol and eventual surgery if all else fails