bone

Key facts : 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45 have osteoarthritis [1]; 2 out of 3 people with osteoarthritis are female [1]. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition characterised by the breakdown of the cartilage that overlies the ends of bones in joints. This results in the bones rubbing together, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion. OA mostly affects the hands, spine and joints such as hips, knees and ankles, and usually gets worse over time.