Osteoarthritis (OA): Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative arthritis is commonly referred to as osteoarthritis (OA). It is a chronic, degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and wear of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints. Over time, the thinning of cartilage can lead to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in pain, inflammation, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility.