Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage.
Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.
Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb
shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and
wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together. The rubbing
causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may
lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits
of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, which
causes more pain and damage.
People with osteoarthritis often have joint pain and reduced motion. Unlike
some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not
internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis -- the second most common form of arthritis
-- affects other parts of the body besides the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most
common type of arthritis.
Who gets osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs most often in older people.
Younger people sometimes get osteoarthritis primarily from joint injuries.
What causes osteoarthritis?
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. Factors
that might cause it include:
- Being overweight
- Getting older
- Joint injury
- Joints that are not properly
formed
- A genetic defect in joint cartilage
- Stresses on the joints from certain
jobs and playing sports.
Next: How is osteoarthritis diagnosed? »
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