Osteoarthritis Explained
in Simple Terms

Osteoarthritis explained notes that it occurs most often in the weight bearing joints like the hips and knees, but it can occur wherever there's a cartilage cushioned joint. Other common joints include the fingers and hands, elbows, back, and shoulder.

Osteoarthritis normally doesn't cause joint deformity like rheumatoid arthritis can, but it can be just as painful.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease meaning it will get worse over time unless there's some way to stop whatever caused the cartilage wear and tear.

Cartilage is tough tissue made up of water, collagen, proteoglycans, and chondrocytes. Together these four elements create a shock absorber for the joint and a cushion where bones meet.

Healthy cartilage is tough, but it can break down too. When that happens, the cushion between bones wears and erodes and the bones begin to rub together. Cartilage first begins to break down when it cannot hold water properly and chemical changes begin to happen.

The cartilage begins to dry out and little cracks start to appear. It is like any other material – one a weakness appears, the structure of the whole unit is compromised.

As the wear and cracks advance, pieces of the cartilage can break off and float around in the joint fluid causing inflammation and pain.

As the cartilage wears, the bones can begin to grow spurs which are bone outgrowths. The spurs appear at the end of bones. The spurs can be painful and sometimes must be removed because they interfere with joint movement. Bone pieces, like cartilage, can also break off and float in the joint fluid.

As the cartilage continues to wear even more, the bones can actually begin to rub together. The worn cartilage in the joint irritates the lining of the joint called the synovial membrane. The irritation produces an excess of joint fluid which can lead to swelling and pain.

Osteoarthritis explained reveals this is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 21 million people in the United States alone. It most often occurs in people over 45 years old. That makes sense because usually it's normal wear from joint use that leads to arthritis, though a joint injury can cause the disease also.

Scary Statistics.

An estimated 46 million adults in the United States alone reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

One in five (22+%) adults in the United States report having doctor diagnosed arthritis.

In 2003–2005, 50% of adults 65 years or older reported an arthritis diagnosis.

By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

An estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition; this represents approximately 1 in every 250 children.

For these and other statistical information, try this site. Arthritis Statistics

Signs of Osteoarthritis.

If someone wanted osteoarthritis explained here are some explanations and signs. Normally, osteoarthritis develops slowly. You'll start to feel a bit feel sore or stiff. The pain and discomfort can be ignored for a while and then you realize it cannot be ignored and you need to do something. Look for the signs your body is giving you and do something about it now.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Joint soreness after inactivity or periods of overuse of a joint.
• Stiffness after rest and disappears quickly as activity begins again.
• Morning stiffness lasting no longer than 30 minutes.
• Joint pain which is less in the morning and stronger at the end of the day following activity.
• Muscle atrophy around joints caused by inactivity can increase pain.
• Pain and stiffness can affect posture, coordination and ability to walk.
• Joints of the knees, hips, fingers, lower spine, and neck are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. The knuckles, wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles are rarely affected by osteoarthritis except when you injure or overuse the joint.

When you want osteoarthritis explained, it probably means you suspect you have the disease. If so, now is the time to consider starting a program, any program, to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.









Return to "Types of Arthritis" from "Osteoarthritis Explained"


Return to Home Page from "Osteoarthritis explained"