Osteoarthrosis is a chronic joint disease in which cartilage is gradually damaged and worn down. It can affect any joint in the body. The joints most at risk are the knee joints, joints in the spine and joints in the hands and hips.
Symptoms of arthrosis include pain, which is the first and most common symptom of the disease and may also be accompanied by creaking or cracking in a localized area. This is followed by joint stiffness, swelling and loss of flexibility.
Causes of arthrosis include mainly advanced age, although arthrosis can also occur in young people. However, genetic predisposition, excessive stress on the joints, injuries or other diseases (obesity, diabetes...) also play a role.