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Osteoarthritis is also known as
degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis,
affecting more than 20 million people in the United States.
Osteoarthritis becomes more common as we age. Interestingly, it
affects more males under the age of 45 and more females over the age
of 55. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and
large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. The majority
of cases of osteoarthritis have no known direct cause. Such cases are
referred as primary osteoarthritis. In cases where a direct cause has
been established, the condition is referred to as secondary
osteoarthritis. The causal factor may be obesity, trauma or surgery
to the joints, congenital abnormalities, gout, diabetes or hormone
disorders.
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