What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that is caused due to the gradual deterioration of the protective cartilage at the ends of your bones. Cartilage is a connective tissue that allows your joints to move freely and without friction. It can wear off over time, causing the bones in your joints to rub against each other.

Besides the deterioration of cartilage, osteoarthritis can also affect the entire joint. It can cause the surrounding connective tissue to break down and damage the bone. It can also cause the joint lining to become inflamed. This condition can affect any joint in your body, but the most commonly affected areas are the joints in your spine, hands, hips and knees.

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis develop gradually and become worse over time. Some of these symptoms are:

• Moderate to severe pain during or after moving affected joints
• Loss of flexibility and the inability to move the joint through its full range of motion
• Stiff joints, especially seen upon waking up in the morning or after being inactive
• Tenderness and swelling in the joints
• Grating sensation when you move the joint, sometimes accompanied with crackling or popping sounds
• Development of bone spurs around the affected joint

Am I at risk of developing Osteoarthritis?

There are certain factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis, such as:

• Old age
• Obesity – Being overweight can put more pressure on your joints
• Gender – Women are more prone to developing osteoarthritis
• Bone deformities – People who have defective cartilage or malformed joints pose a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis
• Joint injuries
• Genetics
• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes or hemochromatosis

Consult your orthopaedic doctor if you suspect the onset of osteoarthritis. The best way to treat this condition is through early detection and preventative measures.