Risk factors

Developmental deformity
Muscle weakness/limited flexibility
Decreased joint proprioception
Obesity
Joint overuse or injury (vocational or trauma, repetitive activity)
Poor nutrition
Advancing age
Genetic make-up
Gender
Hormonal status

Symptoms

Progression
Pain, swelling, & stiffening
Worse after activity

Treatments

Mild pain relievers (aspirin, Tylenol)
Nutritional Supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (ibuprofen)
Cox-II Inhibitor Drugs (Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra)
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Synvisc, Hyalgan)
Weight Reduction
Reduced Frequency / Intensity of Activities
Surgery (osteotomy, arthroscopy, joint replacement)
Orthotic Devices (bracing, shoe wedges)