If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you are not alone. In fact, you are among the 20 million, or so, people who are citizens of the United States that are affected by this condition. Whether you are male or female, you are more likely to experience the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis after the age of 55.

1- If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you probably visited your physician due to pain in you feet, spine or hands. This type of arthritis is known to also attack the larger weight bearing parts of the body such as the knees and the hips.

2- If no cause for the arthritis can be found, this is called primary osteoarthritis. However, if another cause for the pain is present, then it is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. The treatment options for both types are the same.

3- Osteoarthritis is, in simple terms, the break down of the cartilage that is naturally present between the bones of the joints. As we age, this cartilage begins to dissolve, this occurs at a quicker pace when repetitive motion is present. As the amount of cartilage dissolves from between the bones, they begin to rub against each other, and this is the pain that is associated with arthritis.

4- People who perform repetitive motions involving the joints are also the most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. The pain is generally said to be at its worst during the night, after a long day of activity. Generally, the arthritis is accompanied by warming, swelling or creaking in the joints that are affected. Stiffness and pain are also reported by patients, usually after long periods of immobility.

5- There are several steps that can be taken to ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis. Over the counter pain medication, when taken in conjunction with weight loss efforts and exercise, is often all that is needed to control the pain. However, if this is not the case in your situation, speak with your doctor about other pain suppressing methods that may work better for you.