Osteoarthritis. X-ray (rear view) of the ankle of a 65-year-old woman with osteoarthritis. The heel bone (calcaneus, bottom centre), the ankle bone (talus, lower centre) and lower leg bone (tibia, down centre) are seen. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between bones to break down, resulting in bones rubbing together (lower right). It is a common but painful joint disease that affects most people over the age of 60, although more women than men are affected. There is no cure, although symptoms can be relieved with painkilling & anti- inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy.