Degenerative arthritis is an inflammation of the joints due to degenerative damage to the normal joint tissue structure. Pain, swelling and stiffness are the main symptoms of this arthritis. This type of arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. There are certain multiple sites and disease evolution. Degenerative arthritis can affect any joint, but most often occurs in the knee, hip, small joints of the lumbar and cervical spine, small joints of the fingers, and the metatarsophalangeal joints of the thumb and big toe. All of these joints have a common feature in that there are two intact cartilage surfaces between the joint surfaces, which have a relatively high degree of mobility and are subject to relatively high forces. In a normal joint, the cartilage will be intact and attached to the articular surfaces. The cartilage provides a smooth sliding surface for joint movement and acts as a cushion between the bones. Degenerative arthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and joint movement. It becomes more severe over time. During this process, the edges of the joint may become bony and bone spurs may grow. Bone spurs or cartilage may fall off and float in the joint. In addition, the inflammatory process that occurs in the body can further damage cartilage due to inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. In the final stages of osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears away and the bone rubs against the bone causing joint damage and more pain. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over the age of 65. Common risk factors include aging, obesity, previous joint damage, and joint overuse are the longest-standing factors in the development of degenerative arthritis. Degenerative arthritis has a common site of onset and disease progression, which can eventually lead to complete loss of joint motion function.