What is osteoarthritis?
To understand osteoarthritis, you need to know that the ends of the bones, within the cartilage and synovial joints, are covered with a type of tissue called “cartilage”. Cartilage has a smooth, polished surface, which helps bones to glide within the joint. Cartilage also helps cushion and distribute pressure optimally. In the case of osteoarthritis, cartilage deteriorates: it becomes less resistant and may crumble and crack. In addition, bone growths may form where the cartilage is more damaged. The combination of these factors makes joint movement more difficult and painful.
Osteoarthritis most often affects the following joints:
- knees,
- hands,
- neck,
- lower back (lumbar vertebrae),
- hips.
In the majority of cases, pain affects more than one joint. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age, as the body loses its ability to regenerate cartilage. Being overweight is another important risk factor. Joint injuries or repeated pressure on the joints (lifting heavy loads, for example, at work) also increase the risk of OA.