What is osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis (OA) Also known as degenerative Arthritis and non inflammatory arthritis is one of the more common types of arthritis. Affecting cartilage and bone in the joints. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones and serves as a surface that that provides very little friction where the bones meet to form a joint. In OA, this cartilage breaks down.

AO is most likely to occur in the fingers, weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, feet, hips and back.

OA seems to be caused by changes within the cells of the cartilage leading to a loss of elasticity. This can lead to the thinning and breakdown of the cartilage at time leaving the ends of the bone unprotected and without the low friction required for painless smooth movement in the joints at affected.

OA effects both sexes equally usually develop between the ages of 45 to 90 years. Most people develop some OA with increasing age. Men and women are affected equally. OA may also develop in joints that have been injured.

OA progresses slowly and will have little or no impact on most people. OA rarely causes severe disability However when it does replacement joint surgery has proved to be very effective. Symptom includes Pain and stiffness in the joint and Swelling.

is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities entailing degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone next to it.

What is osteoarthritis?

It is the most common form of arthritis. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis, degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. The disease involves perfunctory abnormalities related to joint degradation.

What causes this disease?

It is mainly caused as a result of breaking down of joint-cartilages. Certain metabolic, hereditary or mechanical reasons lead to the loss of cartilages. Some of the factors that lead to primary osteoarthritis are:

• Family history
• Joint injuries
• Excessive stress on the joints
• Recurring use of joints
• Being obese

It is often related to old age but not caused as a result of aging. Degenerative arthritis is also secondary in nature. Secondary OA could result as an outcome of other conditions or diseases like:

• Diabetes
• Joint injuries from accidents
• Obesity
• Joint disorders
• Inflammatory diseases
• Joint infections
• Deterioration of ligaments
• Wilson's disease

How does degenerative arthritis affect the life of the patient?

OA concerns different people in different ways. In few cases, the disease is progressive and serious in nature. Generally, OA affects people in neck, fingers, knees, hips, lower back and thumbs. It results in weakness and pain. However, the disease not only affects its victims physically, it also affects people as far as their lifestyle and monetary matters are concerned.

Financial effects comprise:

• Huge expenses on treatments
• Loss of wages owing to disability

Lifestyle effects could include:

• Job limitations
• Feeling of helplessness
• Depression
• Difficulty in performing daily activities
• Anxiety

The condition frequently targets people who are aged above fifty and women.
Osteoarthritis is another name for degenerative joint disease.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.

Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.