What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that results from wear and tear or cartilage breakdown in a joint. As cartilage wears away, bone may be exposed, causing pain and decreased movement. The bones respond by growing bony projections called "osteophytes" around the sides of the joint, and this contributes to the pain and loss of normal function. Osteoarthritis may also be called degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthrosis or hypertrophic osteoarthritis.