Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While it cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed with various treatments including exercise, pain medications, and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone. It is characterized by symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. While it cannot be cured, treatment options include exercise, efforts to decrease stress on joints, pain medications, and surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a common treatment for serious cases of osteoarthritis in the knee or hip.
It's also important to note the risk factors associated with OA, such as age, joint injury, excess body weight, genetic predisposition, and repetitive joint stress. Understanding and mitigating these risk factors can contribute to prevention or delayed progression of OA.
Lastly, it's a common myth that OA is inevitable as one ages. In reality, not everyone develops OA and risks can be reduced through protective measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding repetitive stress on joints, and engaging in low-impact physical activities.