What are the basics of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is associated with joint degeneration. It occurs most frequently in specific joints (knees, hips, hands, lower back, neck) and affects all aspects of a joint. This leads to difficulty performing certain physical activities and daily tasks. OA is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms worsen over time, however, activity level, lifestyle and conservative treatment can help slow the progression, decrease symptoms and can keep you functional.
Example of a joint with OA
How does OA affect the joint?
- Loss of cartilage and joint space narrowing
- Increased density and/or cysts in the bone
- Hardening of the joint capsule
- Degeneration of the meniscus (often with tears)
- Osteophyte formation
Cartilage is the structure that covers the end of bone and serves to decrease friction and distribute load. OA occurs when degradation of cartilage is greater than synthesis. An interesting fact is that cartilage cells can regenerate but mechanical load is required for this to occur. Aka loading and unloading a joint makes the cartilage healthier.
What factors increase degradation
Too much mechanical stimuli:
- Trauma
- Overload work and sport
- Poor joint alignment
- Muscle weakness
- Body weight
Too little mechanical stimuli!
Inflammatory mediators:
- Body weight
- Genetics
Clinical Definitions of OA
It is important to understand that the latest research in OA shows that symptoms and changes on x-ray are poorly related, which means that you can have symptoms and no x-ray changes or x-ray changes and no symptoms. Due to this research, diagnosis of OA does not require x-ray, it can be diagnosed with the following considerations:
To learn more about treatment recommendations or about OA in specific areas click on a blog below:
- Stenosis (OA of the lower back)
- Treatment for OA (coming soon)
