Despite the high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA)-and the pain it causes-a definite treatment for the condition has yet to be found. The specific causes of OA are unknown, but are believed to be a result of mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint; it is also thought that cartilage abnormalities start the process. The disease process of OA involves the entire joint, including the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments and underlying bone; the breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness.
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