Osteoarthritis

Arthritis affects more than 5.6 million adults in California

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects 27 million adults in the US

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb the shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, allowing bones to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.

There are evidence-based self-management and physical activity programs that are effective and safe for people with arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides program recommendations for people with arthritis. In California, CAPP is implementing the following self-management and physical activity programs:

• Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program (English and Spanish)
• Chronic Disease Self Management Program
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program