Chronic musculoskeletal conditions:
Osteoarthritis
Web article
Last updated:
Topic: Musculoskeletal conditions
Citation
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2024) Osteoarthritis, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 19 July 2026.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterised by the breakdown of the cartilage that overlies the ends of bones in joints. Osteoarthritis mostly affects the hands, spine and joints such as hips, knees and ankles, and usually gets worse over time.