Osteoarthritis-Cause Osteoarthritis occurs when changes in cartilage cause the cartilage to break down faster than the body can produce it. When cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together and cause damage and pain. Experts don't know why this happens. But things like aging, joint injury, being overweight, and genetics may increase your risk.

In some cases, arthritis is caused by other conditions that damage cartilage.

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Joint Pain Not Inevitable With Age

Creaky, achy joints. A twinge in the knee. A sharp shooting pain from the shoulder to the elbow. No big deal, right?Wrong. All too often, we assume joint pain is a normal part of aging that we just have to learn to live with. Nothing could be further from the truth, say experts, pointing to a wealth of treatment options from exercise and alternative supplements to medications and joint replacement surgery.It's a serious problem, because pain can affect every aspect of your life. "Pain is not...

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