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Osteoarthritis Introduction |
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Osteoarthritis
(OA) is also known as degenerative
joint disease, osteoarthrosis,
and hypertrophic osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis affects both the
cartilage and bony surface of
joints. The most common joints
affected are:
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Osteoarthritis
causes an alteration in the
consistency of the cartilage,
causing it to become less spongy and
hard. This cause wears on the bony
surface, which then becomes
hypertrophic (increases growth).
This overgrowth of bone results in
osteophytes, or bone spurs which
impinge on the surrounding soft
tissues. Overtime the joint becomes
stiff, does not absorb shock, and
the space in between the joint
narrows. In healthy joints, this
space is occupied by synovial fluid.
This viscid lubricating fluid acts like the oil in the hinge
which reduces friction. In
Osteoarthritis the synovial fluid is
altered and amounts are decreased,
resulting in more damage to the hard
surfaces in the joint.[1]
Osteoarthritis
is considered a disease of aging. It
is primarily a "wear and tear"
disease from a lifetime of use, and
in many cases, overuse. There are no
predispositions to the development
of Osteoarthritis. There are,
however, many preventative measures that can
prolong its onset. There is a subset
of Osteoarthritis, due to secondary
causes such as genetic
abnormalities, trauma, and
inflammatory diseases (gout,
rheumatoid arthritis). Individuals
with these conditions will be
predisposed to developing the
disease earlier than the "wear and
tear" group.[2]
Osteoarthritis
affects both men and women. Onset is
usually earlier in men than women.
It is found in all races, even in
animals. It is the most common
disorder of joints. Incidence of
Osteoarthritis begins in the 20's
and 30's and by the age of 40 almost
every person shows some signs of the
disease in one joint. By the seventh
or eight decade Osteoarthritis is
extremely common.[3]
The onset of
osteoarthritis is usually
gradual, with the first symptom
being pain in the joint. Patients
may complain of stiffness in the
morning and following periods of
rest. The stiffness is usually made
worse from exercise. Later in the
course of Osteoarthritis radiating
pain may be a complaint as
osteophytes press on nerves exiting
the spinal column. Tenderness may
become worse, crepitus (crackling)
of the joints will become apparent,
and the individual may become
slightly immobilized.[4]
Clinical signs of
Osteoarthritis include
enlargement of the metacarpal joints
in the hand (Heberden's nodes and
Bouchard's nodes), swelling around
the joint capsule, and decreased
range of motion.[5]
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Osteoarthritis Statistics |
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Osteoarthritis is
the leading cause of disability
for individuals over 75 years of
age.
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Approximately 43
million Americans suffer from
Osteoarthritis. That is just under
20% of the population or 1 in 6
people. This number is expected to
increase to 60 million by the year
2020.
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80% of people over
the age of 50 have osteoarthritis.
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35% of the cases of
Osteoarthritis involve the knee(s).[6]
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Learn More About
Osteoarthritis |
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