Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. According to Arthritis Research UK, 8.75 million people in the UK have sought treatment for OA. This includes a third of people over 45, as well as 49 per cent of women and 42 per cent of men aged 75 and over.

OA occurs when there is wear and tear damage in and around the joints. It most commonly affects the knees and hips, but can also occur in the spine and small joints of the hands and feet. Changes within joints lead to pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling.

There is no cure for OA, although symptoms can be eased with effective pain relief. In severe cases, however, surgery may be required to replace or fuse the affected joint. While it is not possible to avoid OA altogether, looking after joints can help to minimise a person's risk.