Osteoarthritis as a common joint disease: causes, symptoms and treatment options. In Germany, more than five million people are affected, especially older people.
From the age of 65, almost half of women and almost a third of men suffer from the disease. The most commonly affected areas are the knees, hips and fingers. In a healthy joint, bones are protected by cartilage. In osteoarth arthritis, the cartilage is damaged and worn out prematurely. Over time, the bones rub against each other, causing great pain.