Osteoarthritis Network
Osteoarthritis is also known by other names, such as degenerative joint disease and Osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This is followed by chronic inflammation of the joint lining. Healthy cartilage is a cushion between the bones in a joint. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees. People with Osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement of the affected joint.
Anybody can get Osteoarthritis and it is most common in middle-aged and older people, especially women over 45. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by this disease. Osteoarthritis typically affects just one joint, though in some cases, such as with finger arthritis, several joints can be affected. Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But Osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Taking steps to actively manage your Osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your Osteoarthritis pain.
Primary Osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced cases, there is a total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility.