Osteoarthritis is not a disease, but rather a chronic condition that can cause the cartilage of the bones in a joint to lose their cartilage. It may, therefore; be more accurate to refer to osteoarthritis as a symptom or complication of another condition. The most common causes of osteoarthritis are aging, obesity, repetitive use injuries, or a family history of osteoarthritis.
Most types of arthritis develop as the joint ages with normal activity. Inflammation within the joint can cause the arthritic disease to progress. Many types of arthritis develop due to autoimmune or genetic factors, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The feet are made up of 26 bones connected by ligaments making 33 joints. Numerous muscles from the calf and foot produce the stability and movement the feet need in order to provide the body with balance, mobility for walking, and every other activity we choose to do.