Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the world. It is commonly known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). As people get older, they are more likely to acquire osteoarthritis. Changes in osteoarthritis often occur gradually over several years. When a person suffers from osteoarthritis, there is inflammation and damage to the joint due to bony changes, degradation of tendons and ligaments, and cartilage disintegration, which leads to discomfort, swelling, and joint deformity.
Even though osteoarthritis has the ability to damage any joint in the body, it mostly damages the joints in the hips, knees, hands and spine. Its symptoms can usually be managed but damage to the joints can’t be reversed.
Some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensations, bone spurs, and swelling.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis usually occurs when the cartilage that acts as a cushion for the ends of bones in the joints gradually starts deteriorating. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Over time, if the cartilage wears down completely, the cushion will no longer be there and the bone will rub on the bone.
Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a wear-and-tear disease. But besides the breakdown of cartilage, it has an effect on 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. Some of the common factors causing the disease are age, obesity, joint injuries, genetics, bone deformities and more.
Ways to Prevent Osteoarthritis
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Being overweight can put stress on the joints. Having some extra kilos can hurt the hips, knees, ankles and feet and cause changes in the cartilage.
Controlling Blood Sugar: Having high blood sugar levels can also cause osteoarthritis. It is important to maintain a healthy sugar level in the body.
Exercise: Keeping the body fit helps avoid joint problems. It prevents the joint from getting stiff and makes the muscle stronger. It is advised to do any form of workout for at least 30 minutes a day.
