Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion.
Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.
Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a wear and tear disease. But besides the breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and deterioration of the connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.
Risk factors:
Factors that can increase your risk of osteoarthritis include:
• Older age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.
• Obesity: Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in several ways, and the more you weigh the greater your risk. Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around your joints.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
