OSTEOARTHRITIS

A. 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. This 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.

B. 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. 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.

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