Osteoarthritis (OA) which is also called as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthrosis. OA is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are pain, stiffness and swelling. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide each other. It also helps absorb shock of movement. In OA, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, that allows bones under the cartilage to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint, by which the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, which causes more pain and damage.
Globally approximately 250 million people have osteoarthritis of the knee (3.6% of the population). Among those over 60 years old about 10% of males and 18% of females are affected.
There are some of the factors that contribute to the development of OA like genes, weight, injury and overuse and other causes like bone and joint disorders, certain metabolic disorders.
Diagnosis is made with reasonable certainty based on the history and clinical examination. However, some of the tests like Joint aspiration, X-ray, MRI may help to confirm it.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease. There is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. Chronic management of the disease will include several factors like physical activity, weight management, stretching, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical and occupational therapy, natural and alternative therapies, surgery, positive attitude, etc.