Final answer:
The joints most commonly affected by Osteoarthritis (OA) are at the ends of the fingers, bases of the thumbs, as well as the neck, lower back, hips, and knees. Contributing factors include aging, injuries, and obesity. Joint replacement surgery is a common treatment for severe OA in the knee or hip.
Step-by-step explanation:
The joints most commonly affected by Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), include those near the ends of the fingers, at the bases of the thumbs, and in the neck, lower back, hips, and knees. Occasionally, OA may affect joints asymmetrically, meaning one side of the body may experience more severe symptoms than the other.
OA is the result of wear and tear of the joint cartilage, and several factors such as aging, joint injuries, physical labor, sports activities, and obesity can increase the risk of developing this condition. For severe cases of OA, joint replacement surgery in the knee or hip can be an effective treatment, providing pain-free and functional outcomes for many years.