What is Osteo Arthritis?

Osteo arthritis (OA) is the most common type of non-inflammatory arthritis. It happens when the cartilage of the joint begins to break down or wear away. The part affected the most is weight bearing joints such as the neck, hip and knee. When the cartilage, the material serves as cushion for joint start to erode, the bones begin to rub each other causing pain, stiffness and inflammation.

What are the risk factors of OA?

OA can be classified to primary and secondary types. The primary type is associated with aging and the degeneration of cartilage, often referred to as ‘wear and tear’. The older persons have a higher chance of getting primary OA.

The secondary OA is linked to factors such as obesity, injury, hereditary, etc. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on the weight bearing joint such as knee and hip. Over exercise after injury may lead to OA later in life. An aggressive and repetitive activity may hurt the joint. A major operation on particular site could be the leading cause to develop OA at later stage of life.

Other causes of OA remain unknown.

Who are likely to get the condition?

• People who are on their later 40
• Women after menopause
• Obese
• People who have major surgery or injury on the joint before

Osteo arthritis symptoms

• Pain and stiffness, pain becomes more severe when exercising and at the end of the day
• Stiffness disappears after resting
• Have difficulty in moving the joint freely as it may ‘crack’
• Pain is more severe when weather is humind
• Decline in posture and movement due to stiffness

Reference

OA, Available from http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-causes (Assessed 10 May 2009)

OA, Avaolable from http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Conditions/Osteoarthritis (Assessed 10 May 2009)

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