Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, debilitating joint disease that affects cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and disability. It is a major public health issue with significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens. OA is most prevalent in the knees, hips, and hands, with higher rates in women, especially after menopause. Risk factors include obesity, local trauma, occupation, age, sex, ethnicity, genetics, nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia. While obesity is a strong risk factor, the relationship between obesity and hip OA is weaker than with knee OA. There is conflicting evidence regarding the roles of nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia in OA development. OA is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, but the relationship between diabetes and OA is inconsistent. Age and sex are significant determinants of OA prevalence and progression, with women more frequently affected. Ethnicity and race also influence OA prevalence, with Chinese populations showing higher rates of knee OA. Smoking has conflicting associations with OA, and while some studies suggest a protective effect, others indicate an increased risk. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are also linked to OA, with sarcopenia potentially increasing knee OA risk. Joint surgery, such as arthroplasty, can significantly reduce OA-related pain and disability. OA burden is substantial, with significant impacts on physical function, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Predictors of disease burden include age, BMI, knee pain, joint laxity, and physical function. The burden of OA is not only physical but also psychological, with OA patients experiencing higher levels of psychological distress. The economic burden of OA is large due to its prevalence and impact on healthcare systems. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of OA is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, debilitating joint disease that affects cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and disability. It is a major public health issue with significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens. OA is most prevalent in the knees, hips, and hands, with higher rates in women, especially after menopause. Risk factors include obesity, local trauma, occupation, age, sex, ethnicity, genetics, nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia. While obesity is a strong risk factor, the relationship between obesity and hip OA is weaker than with knee OA. There is conflicting evidence regarding the roles of nutrition, smoking, and sarcopenia in OA development. OA is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, but the relationship between diabetes and OA is inconsistent. Age and sex are significant determinants of OA prevalence and progression, with women more frequently affected. Ethnicity and race also influence OA prevalence, with Chinese populations showing higher rates of knee OA. Smoking has conflicting associations with OA, and while some studies suggest a protective effect, others indicate an increased risk. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are also linked to OA, with sarcopenia potentially increasing knee OA risk. Joint surgery, such as arthroplasty, can significantly reduce OA-related pain and disability. OA burden is substantial, with significant impacts on physical function, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Predictors of disease burden include age, BMI, knee pain, joint laxity, and physical function. The burden of OA is not only physical but also psychological, with OA patients experiencing higher levels of psychological distress. The economic burden of OA is large due to its prevalence and impact on healthcare systems. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of OA is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.