What characterizes Osteoarthritis compared to other types of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is specifically characterized by localized damage primarily to the cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones in joints. Over time, this wear and tear on the cartilage leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Unlike systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect multiple areas of the body and cause systemic symptoms, osteoarthritis is more localized and is primarily a degenerative joint disease.

Additionally, osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, rather than predominantly involving the small joints of the hands and feet, which are often affected by rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. Unlike some forms of arthritis that can have a rapid onset of symptoms, osteoarthritis typically develops gradually over time as the cartilage is worn away, leading to progressive changes in the joint. This makes localized cartilage damage the hallmark characteristic of osteoarthritis.