Which joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, most commonly affects joints that bear the weight of the body or are subject to repetitive stress. The joints most frequently involved include:123

• Knees and Hips: These are primary sites for the condition, as they are major weight-bearing joints.123
• Spine: The vertebrae are common sites of discomfort, where the condition is sometimes referred to as spondylosis.124
• Hands and Feet: A significant portion of the adult population shows radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the hands or feet. Specifically, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—located at the base of the big toe—is a frequent site due to the heavy loads it bears.34

While the disease can affect one or multiple joints, it is characterized by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage and the formation of bony outgrowths known as osteophytes.123