Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. It involves breakdown of cartilage in one or perhaps more than one joint. Cartilages are cushions between bone joints. Cartilage loss can cause much pain in the joint.

This condition occurs mainly due to aging. Water content of the cartilage increases, while the protein content of these cartilages decreases causing degeneration.

Osteoarthritis affects both males and females. Males experience it frequently before 45. Women suffer from it once they are above 55 years. In the US all races are affected.

Those suffering from osteoarthritis find it difficult to climb stairs and open jars. Their mobility becomes restricted. Many use support systems to walk and get up.

Areas affected by Osteoarthritis
Weight bearing areas are usually affected, such as:

• Hips.
• Spine.
• Hands.
• Knee.
• Small joints of the hands can also get affected.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Injury to the joints.
• Joints being repetitively used.
• The joints getting stressed.
• Family history.
• Overweight.

Secondary osteoarthritis can develop due to a disease or any other condition.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Pain in the joints.
• Joints swell.
• Stiffness in joints.
• Bone spurs.
• Bone enlargements.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

• X-ray.
• Arthroscopy
• Joint fluid removal and its analysis.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

• Weight reduction.
• Supports.
• Exercise.
• Rest.
• Heat.
• Medication- oral or injections.
• Alternate treatments.
• Dietary supplement.
• Acupuncture.
• Massage therapy.
• Arthroscopy.
• Joint replacement.

Osteoarthritis can cause much discomfort, particularly as it usually afflicts the elderly. One must keep one’s weight under control as there would less pressure on the joints.

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3. Basics of Knee arthritis
4. Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
5. Morning Stiffness Causes