Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the most common joint disease. About 3 million, or 1 in 10 people, live with osteoarthritis in Canada alone. Most of the people who have osteoarthritis are older than age 45, and it is more prevalent in women after age 55.

Genetics may play a part in the development of osteoarthritis. Some people may be born with small defects in the way their joints fit together or a genetic problem with their cartilage, which causes the cartilage to break down in the joint as the person gets older. The joints that are usually affected are the weight bearing joints such as the knee and hip, and less commonly ankle and shoulder.

The main symptom of osteoarthritis is pain, but there are other symptoms associated with it as well. Find out more about the symptoms of osteoarthritis and whether you are at risk. Even if you've already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it is important to know about how osteoarthritis progresses in your joints.