Ankle osteoarthritis. Coloured X-ray of the ankle of an 87-year old male patient with severe osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (or arthrosis) is a common degenerative disease characterised by a loss of the cartilage that lines the joints between bones. This leads to pain, swelling and occasionally may result in the loss of function of the affected joint. No specific cure exists but symptoms may be relieved through analgesic drugs and physiotherapy. Joint replacement surgery is used in some of the most severe cases.