Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that usually develops slowly and worsens over time. The four stages of osteoarthritis are:
- Stage 0 – Normal: In this stage, there are no signs of osteoarthritis. The joint appears healthy and functions normally.
- Stage 1 – Minor: In this stage, there is minor wear and tear of the cartilage. There may be some minor pain and discomfort, but no significant loss of function.
- Stage 2 – Mild: In this stage, there is noticeable cartilage damage and some loss of joint space. There may be more pain and stiffness, and some loss of function.
- Stage 3 – Moderate: In this stage, there is significant cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, and bone-on-bone contact. There may be significant pain and stiffness, and a significant loss of function.
- Stage 4 – Severe: In this stage, there is extensive cartilage loss, joint space is significantly reduced, and bone-on-bone contact is present. There may be chronic pain, severe stiffness, and a significant loss of function. In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
