Osteoarthritis is the most common form of degenerative joint disease. Symptoms of osteoarthritis increase with age.

Breaking down of the bones, joints and ligaments is characterized by degeneration of cartilage and overgrowth of bone in areas of the body that bend. There is not usually swelling with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is divided into two types:

1. Primary- osteoarthritis of the joints of the hands, the hip, the knee, the end joints of the big toe, neck and back.
2. Secondary- osteoarthritis that follows injury to joints and bones

Osteoarthritis can be acute due to:

• Injuries like fractures or broken bones
• Overuse injuries from one’s occupation
• Metabolic disease
• Disorders of the nervous system

Other facts about osteoarthritis:

• Obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee and also the hip.
• Recreational running does not increase incidence of osteoarthritis.
• Participation in competitive contact sports does increase incidence.
• Occupations that require frequent bending and carrying increases risk of bone osteoarthritis.

The onset of osteoarthritis is gradual and subtle. At first, joint arthritis only last a few minutes, is worse with activity, having to bear weight and is better with rest. There may be little or no deformity, but one can often see bony enlargements in the finger joints, difficulty opening and closing the hands or bending the knees, and “bow legged knees” (knees varum). Also, a sandy feeling known as crepitus is often felt in the effected joint.



Back to Conditions Treated