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Osteoarthritis is most common at the age from forty to sixty. This applies to approximately every person to some area over the age of sixty, and affects three times more in women than in men.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most familiar arthritis and is also known as degenerative joint disease. In this variety of arthritis, cartilage covering the ends of the bones, connecting the joint to bear away, revealing bone and causing pain. This form may also lessen the amount of joint fluid called synovial fluid that cushions a joint, and changes in muscles and ligaments that stabilizes the joint.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms are different from one person to another. One patient might be suffering from rigorous pain for days while others may experience it occasionally. Weather conditions and the time of the day have also something to do with this. As the climate changes from time to time, a person will similarly experience the severe pain that can even last for weeks. Continue Reading »

Osteoarthritis is considered as a degenerative joint disease. It seems to be related to wear and tear put on joints over a long period. Osteoarthritis is mostly related to joints which are weight bearing such as knees, hips and spines. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.

In normal joints ends of bones are covered by cartilage, which is a firm, rubbery and flexible material. Cartilage covering prevents the bones to rub against each other directly and allows joint to do its work smoothly.

Ligaments, which act as elastic bonds, keep the bones in place. Synovial fluid lubricates the joints and nourishes the cartilage.

When the cartilage loses its elasticity it becomes stiff and gradually its condition deteriorates. Cartilage may wear away in some areas. When the cartilage becomes damaged, ligaments and tendons become stretched.  The damaged cartilage no longer acts as shock absorber. Due to loss of cartilage cushion the bones rub against each other directly causing severe pain.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

1) Joint stiffness and joint pain – Joint may be stiff. Pain in joint may be felt with least movement. In the morning joint stiffness may last for thirty minutes. It may improve with movement.
2) Joint symptoms worsen after exercise. Increase in joint pain in cold or damp weather.
3) Loss of flexibility and limited mobility of joints.
4) Joint pain worsens after a period of inactivity.
5) Joint Swelling (effusion).

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya