Osteoarthritis
What
Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, also known as a degenerative
arthritis, is a joint disease that gradually
breaks down cartilage and bone, resulting in
pain and stiffness. Cartilage is a
protein substance that acts as a cushion between
the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is
the most common form of joint disease among
over the 100 different types of arthritis conditions
in the world, affecting both men and women
as they grow older. Generally, osteoarthritis
often causes pain in and around fingers and
weight-bearing joints, such as the feet, knees,
hips, and back.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is most closely related to aging.
The water content of the cartilage increases
with aging and the cartilage degenerates. Continual
use of the joints irritates and inflames the
cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Eventually the cartilage will begin to degenerate
by flaking or creating tiny crevasses with
osteoarthritis. Total loss of the cartilage
cushion can occur in advanced cases of osteoarthritis.
Bone outgrowth can occur when inflammation
of the cartilage stimulates it to form around
the joints. Heredity may play a factor for
this condition.
Links
in Helping Understand Osteoarthritis
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Research Institute
of America
Arthritis.com
The American College of Rheumatology
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