What is Osteoarthritis?

The word “arthritis” is taken from Greek words meaning “inflamed joints” and is associated with a group of well over 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions. These diseases may affect not only the joints but also the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments that support them. Osteoarthritis is the condition that results when cartilage is slowly eroded, and bone begins grinding against bone. This is accompanied by bony outgrowths called osteophytes. Cysts may form, and the underlying bone thickens and becomes deformed. Other symptoms include knobby knuckles, grating and grinding sounds that emanate from arthritic joints, and muscle spasms, along with pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis rarely spreads to other body parts but concentrates its erosive influence in one or just a few joints.

Who are at risk for osteoarthritis? While age alone does not cause osteoarthritis, the loss of joint cartilage is experienced more frequently with increasing age. Others at risk may include those who have some abnormality in the way their joint surfaces fit together or who have weak leg and thigh muscles, legs of unequal length, or a misalignment of the spine. Trauma to a joint caused either by an accident or by an occupation in which repetitive motions overuse a joint can also set the stage for osteoarthritis. Once deterioration begins, being overweight can exacerbate osteoarthritis.