Animation of a human lumbar spine becoming affected by arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints in the body, often load-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and lower spine. In arthritis, the space between bones is reduced, and bony growths (osteophytes) develop on the ends of the bones in the joint. This causes pain, stiffness and immobility. There is no cure for the condition, which is typically associated with old age, but painkilling and anti-inflammatory drugs can ease the symptoms, and joint replacement surgery is effective for some joints.