As the weather gets colder and colder, more and more middle-aged and elderly people will face the problem of osteoarthritis. So what are the characteristics of osteoarthritis and what should the elderly be aware of during the cold winter months? Osteoarthritis, also known as proliferative arthritis, generally occurs in middle-aged and elderly people over the age of 55. The disease is characterized by degeneration of joint cartilage and lipoid osteophytes, often in a particular joint, such as the knee and hip joints. Osteoarthritis develops slowly, most commonly in the knee, but also in the knee, waist and hip joints at the same time. X-rays show a narrowing of the joint space, hardening of the bone, and lip-like changes at the edges. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly people suffering from osteoarthritis should pay special attention to weather changes, as the cold winter climate and poor local blood flow to the joints can aggravate joint pain and make it difficult to move. At this time, excessive movement or overexertion of the joints should be avoided, leading to joint re-injury. In the acute phase of severe joint pain, activities should be appropriately limited; moderate exercise such as taijiquan or sword, but not climbing, running, jumping, etc. Local heat, massage and physical therapy can reduce symptoms, and Chinese medicine treatment will further improve symptoms and quality of life.