Osteoarthritis FAQs: Top 10 Questions Frequently Asked.
Learn answers to the 10 most common questions about osteoarthritis — causes, early symptoms, treatment options, lifestyle tips, and holistic approaches for lasting joint health. 1) What is osteoarthritis (OA)? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive breakdown of articular cartilage with secondary changes in bone, synovium, and periarticular tissues. It most commonly affects knees, hips, hands, and the spine and presents with activity-related pain, stiffness after inactivity, and functional limitation. There is no cure, but multimodal management can control symptoms and slow progression. 2) How is OA different from rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? OA is primarily mechanical/degenerative , usually asymmetric and worsens with load; RA is autoimmune/inflammatory , often symmetric, with prolonged morning stiffness and systemic features. Serology (RF/anti-CCP), pattern of joint involvement, and imaging help differentiate. Quick compare Feature Osteoa...