What Is Osteoarthritis

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The breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints is known as osteoarthritris and is also called degenrative arthritis. Cartilege cushions the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common of arthritic conditions. As people age, osteoarthritis becomes more common. Osteoarthritis affects men at an earlier age, yet after the age of 55 it is more common among women. Degenerative arthritis usually affects the hands, feet, spine or weight bearing joints. In most cases, degenerative arthritis has no known cause. These cases are called primary osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis occurs when a cause for the degeneration is known.

As a person ages cartilage increases in water content while it decreases in protein content. With time, the cartilage begins to deteriorate. The most advanced cases have a total loss of cartilage between the joints of the bones. Continued use of these joints inflames the cartilage which causes joiunt pain and swelling. The friction caused by the loss of cartilage between the bones brings about pain and loss of mobility. Inflammation sometimes causes the new bone growth (commonly called spurs) to occur near the joints. These are all symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Secondary osteoarthritis is brought about by another affliction. Obesity, reoccuring trauma and surgery are a few conditions that can cause secondary osteoarthritis. Congenitally abnormal joints, gout and diabetes are some other main causes of secondary osteoarthritis. An increase in mechanical stress causes osteoarthritis when obesity is present. Next to aging, obesity is the most common risk factor in osteoarthrits of the knees.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stifness, inflammation of the joints as well as the formation of bone spurs.

Treatment of osteoarthritis consists mainly of lifestyle changes. Regular exercise is one treatment of osteoarthritis. Aerobic, strength and range of motion exercises are recommended. Adding certain vitamins (C, D, E) to the diet is consedered to give protection against osteoarthritis. Many believe MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in conjuction with glucosamine and chondroitin is an effective treatment of osteoarthritis. Weight loss is considered to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee in women.

What Is Osteoarthritis
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