Seventy million Americans are affected by arthritis with more than 20 million affected by osteoarthritis (OA).¹ Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and the number one cause of disability in the United States.

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage deteriorates and friction is created between joint surfaces.² The images below show the differences between a normal knee, and a knee with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis affects three times as many women as men.  While Osteoarthritis most often occurs in people ages 50 and over, younger people who have been injured in high intensity sports or accidents can begin experiencing symptoms in their late 30s and early 40s.³

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease; however, the path of progression varies between each person. While early treatment can slow progression, affected joints generally continue to deteriorate as a person ages. OA can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.⁶

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