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Definition
Osteoarthritis
is a chronic disease causing
deterioration of the joint cartilage.
Cartilage refers to the
softer parts of bones, which cushion their connections to each
other. In some cases, all of the
cartilage may wear away, leaving bones that rub up against each
other. Bone spurs
usually develop at the margins of the joints.
Symptoms
Symptoms range from stiffness and
mild pain that comes and goes to severe joint pain. Osteoarthritis
affects hands, low back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as
knees, hips, and feet.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most
frequent causes of physical disability and the most common form of
arthritis among older adults.
The disease affects both men and
women. It may first appear without symptoms
between 30 and 40 years of age and is present in almost everyone by
the age of 70. Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common
in men than in women. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in
women. By age 65, more than half of the population has x-ray
evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
Osteoarthritis affects only
joints, not internal organs |
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