Home > Bright Notion > What Is Osteoarthritis?

What Is Osteoarthritis?

October 8th, 2009

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis, in particular among older people. Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis.

Its chief effect is on cartilage . At the ends of the bones in your joints is a slippery tissue, that’s cartilage!. In addition to absorbing energy from the shock of physical movement, healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other.

When osteoarthritis is present the top layer of cartilage breaks down and starts to wear away.. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together which causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time the joint can lost the normal shape.. Also, bone spurs–small growths called osteophytes–may grow on the edges of the joint.

Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage. You can read more about osteoarthritis signs and symptoms at www.1st-for-health.com, as well as other health issues.

Anyone suffering with osteoarthritis will already know that joint pain and limited mobility is part of the condition.. Unlike some other forms of arthrits, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs. For example, rheumatoid arthritis–the second most common form of arthritis–affects other parts of the body besides the joints. Generally it starts at an earlier age than osteo, and it causes swelling and redness in joints, and may make people feel sick, tired, and (uncommonly) feverish.

As with anything medical related, you should consult your own doctor before doing anything health related, or making any changes. This information does not diagnose or treat any illness or condition. It is not a substitute for qualified medical advice.

Related posts:

  1. Is Your Aged Canine At Risk For Arthritis? Dog osteo-arthritis is one of the most frequent canine health...
  2. Heel Pain in Children Heel pain in children is not common, but when it...
  3. Do Inversion Tables Work? Back pain strikes thousands of people all over the world...
  4. Discover why you should experience Chiropractic Care in Loveland Colorado Chiropractic is the field of health care that deals with...
  5. All About Gout Inflammation around that normally happens around the joints such as...

Comments are closed.