Osteoarthritis

Health Care Term

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of cartilage in joints. This can cause the bones within the joint to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is most commonly found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

The exact causes of osteoarthritis are not well understood, but it is thought to be related to age, genetics, joint injuries, and obesity. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments such as exercise, physical therapy, pain medications, and surgery can help manage the symptoms and improve joint function.

Osteoarthritis is a significant concern in the health care industry due to its high prevalence and impact on patient quality of life. It is estimated that more than 30 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, and the cost of treating this condition is billions of dollars each year. Health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists play a critical role in diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis, making it a key focus in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. Additionally, researchers and policymakers are exploring new strategies for preventing and managing osteoarthritis to reduce its burden on patients and the health care system.


More Glossary Terms Beginning with O
  • Off-Label
    Use of a drug for a disease or condition other than the indication for which it was approved by a regulatory authority, such as the FDA or EMEA.
    Health Care Term Letter: O
  • On Balance Volume OBV
    The concept behind the indicator: volume precedes price. OBV is a simple indicator that adds a periods volume when the close is up and subtracts the periods volume when the close is down. A cumulative total of the volume additions and subtractions forms the OBV line. This line can then be compared with the price chart of the underlying security to look for divergences or confirmation. A rising vol
    Technical Indicator Letter: O
  • Oncology
    Branch of medicine which studies the characteristics of tumors, their classification, diagnosis and therapy.
    Health Care Term Letter: O
  • Open Pit Mine
    A mine that is entirely on the surface. Also referred to as an open-cut or open-cast mine.
    Manufacturing Term Letter: O
  • Open-label Clinical Trial
    A trial in which both the treating physician and the patient know whether they are receiving the experimental treatment or control/placebo treatment.
    Health Care Term Letter: O
  • Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile Cost Per ASM CASM
    Represents operating expenses divided by Available Seat Mile ASMs. Airline Industry
    Transportation Term Letter: O
  • Operating Income Growth Rates
    The percentage of Operating Income change within a specific period (Y/Y year on year; Seq sequential, from proceeding period; TTM trailing twelve months).
    Fundamental Analysis Letter: O
  • Operating Margin
    The measurement of profitability, Operating profit margin represents proportion of Operating income (total sales less operating costs) to total sales. Operating Margin Formula = (Operating Income / Revenues) * 100
    Fundamental Analysis Letter: O
  • Operating Profit Margin
    The measurement of profitability, Operating profit margin represents proportion of Operating income (total sales less operating costs) to total sales. Operating Margin Formula = (Operating Income / Revenues) * 100
    Fundamental Analysis Letter: O
  • Operating revenue yield per Available Seat Mile Average Yield per ASM
    Represents the average scheduled flown passenger fare revenue for each available seat mile (ASM). Airline Industry
    Transportation Term Letter: O
  • Option
    The right, not the obligation, to execute a transaction at a designated price, generally involving equity interests, interest rates, currencies or commodities.
    Financial Term Letter: O
  • Option ARMs Mortgage Loans
    The option ARM residential real estate loan product is an adjustable-rate mortgage loan that provides the borrower with the option each month to make a fully amortizing, interest-only, or minimum payment. The minimum payment on an option ARM loan is based on the interest rate charged during the introductory period. This introductory rate has usually been significantly below the fully indexed rate.
    Financial Term Letter: O