What is osteoarthritis ? What are its signs and symptoms ?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is also called degenerative arthritis. This usually affects hips, knees, hands and feet. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, joint pain, stiffness and locking of joints. Crepitus or cracking noise on moving the joint. Nodes may be seen on the finger joints greatly reducing the movement of fingers.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis ?
Primary osteoarthritis is the condition where the joints are affected due to age or when the cause is not known. Secondary osteoarthritis is the condition arising due to other conditions like Obesity, injury, heriditary and genetic factors.

What are the tests done to diagnose osteoarthritis ?
Physical examination and X-rays are usually enough to diagnose this condition. No laboratory tests are required.

What are the available drugs / treatment for osteoarthritis ?
Paracetamol, NSAIDS to reduce pain, intra-articular corticosteroids, joint replacement surgery etc. Alternative therapy like acupuncture also seem to help in osteoarthritis pain relief.

As a patient of osteoarthritis what I am supposed to do to slow down the progress of the disease ?
Lifestyle modification, walking, exercises to reduce stiffness of joints, weight reduction, swimming, etc helps in this condition.