The article provides an overview of the epidemiology and burden of osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage and surrounding tissues. OA can lead to significant disability and pain, particularly in the hips and knees, often requiring surgical intervention. The disease progression is typically slow but can result in joint failure. Key risk factors include obesity, local trauma, and occupation. The burden of OA is multifaceted, encompassing physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts. While symptoms and radiographic changes are not always correlated, established risk factors such as obesity and metabolic diseases are well-documented. However, the roles of nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia as risk factors remain controversial. The article highlights the need for further research to understand the physical and psychological impacts of OA and to determine healthcare needs. The prevalence of OA varies by age, sex, and geographical location, with higher rates in women and older adults. The economic burden of OA is significant, and the disease can severely impact quality of life, leading to physical limitations and psychological distress. Arthroplasty is a common treatment for severe OA, improving pain, disability, and function, but its use is relatively limited compared to the overall population affected by the disease.The article provides an overview of the epidemiology and burden of osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage and surrounding tissues. OA can lead to significant disability and pain, particularly in the hips and knees, often requiring surgical intervention. The disease progression is typically slow but can result in joint failure. Key risk factors include obesity, local trauma, and occupation. The burden of OA is multifaceted, encompassing physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts. While symptoms and radiographic changes are not always correlated, established risk factors such as obesity and metabolic diseases are well-documented. However, the roles of nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia as risk factors remain controversial. The article highlights the need for further research to understand the physical and psychological impacts of OA and to determine healthcare needs. The prevalence of OA varies by age, sex, and geographical location, with higher rates in women and older adults. The economic burden of OA is significant, and the disease can severely impact quality of life, leading to physical limitations and psychological distress. Arthroplasty is a common treatment for severe OA, improving pain, disability, and function, but its use is relatively limited compared to the overall population affected by the disease.