About Arthritis
Our Research
- - - 2026 STUDIES TO WATCH
      
      Every year, our scientists and patient advisory group identify the studies and topics creating the most impact for people living with arthritis.
      Uncover Our Focus for 2026
  - - OUR RESEARCH
      
      Ongoing and completed studies across our full research portfolio, from prevention and treatment to care and health systems.
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  - - OUR TEAM
      
      Meet the scientists, clinicians, trainees, and patient advisory board members, driving discoveries
      Meet Our Team
  - - RESEARCH CONFERENCES
      
      Arthritis Research Canada's scientists and trainees regularly present new findings that advance arthritis prevention, treatment, and care.
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Get Involved
- - - ARTHRITIS PATIENT ADVISORY BOARD
      
      People living with arthritis guide our research priorities, shape study design, and ensure our work reflects real life.
      
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  - - VOLUNTEER
      
      Support Arthritis Research Canada with your time and skills. Whether you want to help at an event or host your own, there is a place for you here.
      
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  - - PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
      
      Living with arthritis? Explore open studies looking for participants and help shape the future of arthritis care.
      
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  - - SHARE YOUR STORY
      
      Your experience with arthritis matters. Sharing it helps others feel less alone and brings the human reality of arthritis into everything we do.
      
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News

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease of the whole joint that leads to the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. (Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones).

Disease Definition

Joints require the body to regularly repair and replenish damaged tissues. Damage to joint tissues can occur through the normal function of a joint. When the body is not able to keep up with the repair process, or if there is too much tissue that requires repair to take place, osteoarthritis may begin to develop. For most people, this damage can occur when otherwise healthy joints are exposed to heavy workloads over a long period of time. However, for some people whose joints are formed differently or who have experienced a previous joint injury, even regular workloads can accelerate joint damage. Being overweight or obese is also a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis since additional body weight can cause significant stress on weight-bearing joints. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, however, there are ways to manage the symptoms and how you function in daily life. This can include a combination of self-management strategies, medications, treatment by healthcare professionals specializing in orthopedic care and, for severe osteoarthritis, possibly joint replacement surgery.

Our Scientists Say

“Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases and a main reason for hip replacement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) causes the hip bones to fit together imperfectly and create extra friction. We’re investigating the link between FAI and hip OA.”

Dr. Jolanda Cibere
Senior Scientist
Arthritis Research Canada

Advance Osteoarthritis Research

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Stay Informed on Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis (OA) Treatment

Self-Management

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Pain-Management

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Surgery

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Current Research

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Latest News

Successful stories from people impacted and living with Arthritis

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Photo caption: Trish Silvester-Lee (left) with Dr. Jackie Whittaker (right) Arthritis Patient Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Trish Silvester-Lee The Arthritis...