Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million Americans. Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease results from physical changes in the joints. These joints are such as the shoulder; knee, hip or in this case, the hand.

Joints are generally encapsulated and contain synovial fluid allowing free and smooth movement. Joints are generally encapsulated and contain synovial fluid allowing free and smooth movement. They also have a protective coating of cartilage that protects the bones from eroding each other. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage erodes and bones can then come into direct contact with each other causing severe pain. Age and also factors such as heredity, overuse and obesity can contribute to a joints eventual degeneration. Medications may be used to control the pain and the swelling. As the disease advances, prosthetic joints are sometimes used to replace the joints that have become useless and painful.

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