Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results in a loss of cartilage. This causes friction to occur in the bones, which causes pain and swelling. Nearly half of all Americans experience osteoarthritis at some stage, and it affects two thirds of obese adults. It becomes more prevalent with advancing age. It’s one of the most common reasons people take anti-inflammatory medication, which can have undesirable side effects if over used. Osteoarthritis is most common in knees and it’s the leading cause of knee joint replacement surgery. It is also common in the hips, and eventually many people develop it in their hands. Being overweight raises the risk because fat cells produce inflammatory chemicals that attack the joints and cause progressive wear and tear. Regular exercise helps with weight control; it improves circulation to the joints and improves joint lubrication and mobility. Some foods can adversely affect the joints. Sugar, gluten and dairy products may raise inflammation in some people and promote joint pain. Read more about managing osteoarthritis. Reference