Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is pretty much a result of normal wear and tear on a joint.  It is the most common form of arthritis affecting up to 80% of the population with varying grades.  Osteoarthritis is characterized by a low-grade inflammation causing joint pain.  This joint inflammation leads to further damage and inflammation in a perpetuating cycle.  As the joint cushioning begins to degenerate, pain begins to occur on weight bearing or movement.  The patient compensates by simply not moving which causes muscle atrophy or wasting.

Osteoarthritis

There is a school of thought that believes osteoarthritis has hereditary characteristics.  This is due to the fact that osteoarthritis affects families.  Other possible causes of osteoarthritis include allergic reactions, fungal infections, or an inborn defect inducing the degeneration of the synovium lining of the joint.

There are two forms of osteoarthritis: Primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis.

Primary Osteoarthritis:  This form of osteoarthritis is related to aging.  With aging, the natural composition of the joint changes.  Cartilage in the joint becomes less resilient and less protected.  Cartilage becomes more brittle and susceptible to damage.  Also, as cartilage breaks down, it causes minor inflammation that further exacerbates the problem.  Primary osteoarthritis can also result from bone spurs forming on the margins of joints.

Secondary Osteoarthritis:  Secondary osteoarthritis results from a pre-existing, underlying disease or condition.  Any condition that causes inflammation of the joint, excess stress on the joint, or alters the composition of the joint can result in secondary osteoarthritis.  The development is the same as primary osteoarthritis.

These bone changes and inflammation processes can be directly linked to osteoarthritis.  Regardless whether it is primary or secondary osteoarthritis, the symptoms of pain and debilitation are the same.