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OSTEOARTHRITIS CAUSES |
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Osteoarthritis
results from deterioration or loss of the cartilage that acts as a
protective cushion between bones, particularly in weight-bearing
joints such as the knees and hips. As the cartilage is worn away,
the bone forms spurs, areas of abnormal hardening, and fluid-filled
pockets in the marrow known as subchondral cysts. As the disorder
progresses, pain results from deformation of the bones and fluid
accumulation in the joints. The pain is relieved by rest and made
worse by moving the joint or placing weight on it. In early Osteoarthritis, the
pain is minor and may take the form of mild stiffness in the morning.
In the later stages of Osteoarthritis, inflammation develops; the patient may
experience pain even when the joint is not being used; and he or she
may suffer permanent loss of the normal range of motion in that
joint. Until the late 1980s, Osteoarthritis was regarded as an inevitable part of aging, caused by simple "wear and tear" on the joints. This view has been replaced by recent research into cartilage formation. Osteoarthritis is now considered to be the end result of several different factors contributing to cartilage damage, and is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis Primary Osteoarthritis results from abnormal stresses on weight-bearing joints or normal stresses operating on weakened joints. Primary Osteoarthritis most frequently affects the finger joints, the hips and knees, the cervical and lumbar spine, and the big toe. The enlargements of the finger joints that occur in Osteoarthritis are referred to as Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes. Some gene mutations appear to be associated with Osteoarthritis. Obesity also increases the pressure on the weight-bearing joints of the body. Finally, as the body ages, there is a reduction in the ability of cartilage to repair itself. In addition to these factors, some researchers have theorized that primary Osteoarthritis may be triggered by enzyme disturbances, bone disease, or liver dysfunction. Secondary osteoarthritis Secondary Osteoarthritis results from chronic or sudden injury to a joint. It can occur in any joint. Secondary Osteoarthritis is associated with the following factors: Trauma, including sports injuries Repetitive stress injuries associated with certain occupations (like the performing arts, construction or assembly line work, computer keyboard operation, etc.) Repeated episodes of gout or septic arthritis Poor posture or bone alignment caused by developmental abnormalities Metabolic disorders. |
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| OSTEOARTHRITIS RELATED ITEMS | ||
