Osteoarthritis. Light micrograph of a section through joint tissue in a case of osteoathritis. Most of the tissue here is cartilage, the connective tissue that forms pads in the joints to separate the bones. This is an early stage of the condition, where the cartilage surface (across top) is frayed and worn. Eventually, all the cartilage will be worn away, exposing the bone (bottom). Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that affects most people over the age of 60. There is no cure, although symptoms can be relieved with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy.