Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease effecting the joints and gets worse as one ages. It can effect joints in the hands and feet as well as the spine, back and hips. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage that is in the joints to deteriorate, reducing the cushion that is between the bones. The lack of cartilage with in the joints causes pain, discomfort and inflammation for those who have Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is most common among Japanese Americans (Osteoarthritis Treatment and OA Symptoms, 2015). Two health care disparities that may contribute to the rise of Osteoarthritis in Japanese Americans are language barriers and a lack of education. Not understanding the language of the place you live can make it difficult for a person or
