Osteoarthritis may be known or sometimes called degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that affects not only the elderly and sick, although those aged 55 and over are more common, people of all ages can suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Approximately 27 million Americans share the same common chronic joint conditions. Each disease is known to have its own cycle or process; just as for osteoarthritis, its process is rather complex. In osteoarthritis (OA), at the end of the bone where they meet to form a joint, allowing movement, the cartilage covering the bone begins something called breaking down. Cartilage is a tissue that cushions the joint when it moves. As the cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and begin to rub against each other. The bone no longer functions properly, as the shape and composition of the joints is compromised due to the deterioration of the cartilage. Due to the bones being rubbed against each other, it is highly possible for other problems to occur within the joint. Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body. That's why the symptoms of this disease vary. The most typical joints that can be affected are those that carry weight over the years, such as the knees, hips and lower back. Other joints such as shoulders, elbows and ankles are less likely to be affected unless the joint has been previously damaged. Another way to think about this might be to name the joints that allow us to lead active lives, such as depending on our back, hips, feet, and knees to walk; shoulders and hands for lifting; or even all of the above to work. When these joints are affected, while performing certain activities such as walking, climbing and lifting objects... middle of paper... and surgery, they leave it up to their worshiper to decide what will happen. Or they really care about modesty, for example regarding treatment by someone of the opposite sex. And then there are those who follow particular diets (kosher, vegetarian) or those who fast, perhaps they are in excellent shape but if they got to where they had to eat for their health they would refuse to do so. Hindus use only the right hand for pure tasks and the left for impure tasks; the nursing assistant must take this into account before making them go against their religion. Taking care of your body is very important, even if you know you are sick or not. Why live in pain and sorrow when you can be happy. While you can't control what is passed down in your family, you can control other factors. If you do, make sure you wear splints to reduce the chances of the osteoarthritis getting worse