Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common orthopedic disease that involves the breakdown of the protective cartilage that cushions the area between bones. This causes changes in the bone structure, deterioration of the connective tissue holding the joint together, and inflammation in the surrounding areas. As the erosion of bone and damaging of soft tissue progress, patients experience chronic swelling, pain, loss of mobility and growing muscle weakness. Furthermore, as these processes occur, new blood vessels are formed in the lining of the knee joint which results in pain and ongoing inflammation. OA is a degenerative disorder that worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Untreated OA is known to cause a variety of secondary health problems.