The most widespread type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a joint related disease.  It causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and to lose its flexibility. In the long run, the cartilage breaks down, forcing ligaments to extend and bones to scrape together, causing pain and loss of joint movement. This disease affects the hands, knees, hips, feet, and back.

Osteoarthritis is most prevalent in those who are obese or who are over the age of sixty. One may prevent this condition by staying at a healthy weight and exercising early in life.  If a person already suffers from osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising daily can help reduce the pain.

Informational Sites

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/osteoarthritis.html#2

http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/arthritis/osteoarthritis-information.html

http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/patpubs/6025/6025.asp

http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=arth_rhe/7650

To reduce your weight by a pound of fat a week, eat 500 fewer calories each day.

Key Ideas