Arthritis is one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States, affecting about 1 in 4 adults overall. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide, and over 32 million adults in the US alone. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within a joint begins to break down, causing the underlying bone to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get progressively worse over time. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can in turn reduce function and promote disability. This can cause some people to no longer participate in their necessary or desired tasks, including household chores, work, or leisure activities.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints cannot be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving treatment might slow progression of the disease, as well as help improve pain and joint function. (Check out our last blog post on joint protection techniques to help improve your function!)
Causes
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.
Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a “wear and tear disease.” In addition to the breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and deterioration of the connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of osteoarthritis include:
Older age. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.
Obesity. Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around joints.
Joint injuries. Injuries can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Even injuries that occurred many years ago and seemingly healed can increase your risk of osteoarthritis.
Repeated stress on the joint. If your job or a sport you play places repetitive stress on a joint, that joint might eventually develop osteoarthritis.
Genetics. Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis.
Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
Certain metabolic diseases. These include diabetes and a condition in which the body has too much iron (hemochromatosis).
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Tenderness. Joints might feel tender when applying light pressure to or near it.
Loss of flexibility. Joint may not be able to move through its full range of motion.
Grating sensation. There might be a grating sensation when using the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
Swelling. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
Complications
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning it worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain. Joint pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult, or seem impossible. Depression and sleep disturbances can result from the pain and disability of osteoarthritis.
When to see a doctor
If you have joint pain or stiffness that doesn't go away, make an appointment with your physician.
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Osteoarthritis (OA). https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Arthritis awareness month. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/communications/features/arthritis-awareness.html
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Osteoarthritis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
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