Osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease, causes joint tissues to break down over time. It’s most prevalent in older individuals. Those with osteoarthritis often experience joint pain and brief stiffness after inactivity over a certain period. Commonly affected joints include hands, knees, hips, neck, and lower back.
But what causes OA?
Here, we will understand the causes of osteoarthritis.
What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?
Here are the primary causes of OA:
- Spinal Bone Spurs: In osteoarthritis of the spine, disks become narrow, and bone spurs form.
- Hip Joint Deterioration: The hip joint can undergo cartilage deterioration and bone spur formation due to osteoarthritis.
- Cartilage Deterioration: Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones making up the joints breaks down. Cartilage, a firm tissue enabling smooth joint motion, deteriorates over time.
- Bone-on-Bone Friction: Complete cartilage wear-down leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing discomfort.
- Wear and Tear Myth: Osteoarthritis, often called a wear and tear disease, affects the entire joint. It induces changes in bones and deterioration of connective tissues, causing inflammation.
- Tissue Breakdown Trigger: The ailment results from the breakdown or structural changes in joint tissues, not simple wear and tear. It occurs gradually, and factors like ageing, obesity, joint injuries, repetitive movements, malformed joints, and family history can trigger the condition.
Conclusion
The causes of osteoarthritis and its impact vary, with some experiencing mild effects while others face significant pain and disability. Joint damage typically develops gradually over the years, though it can worsen rapidly in some cases. Consulting your doctor can help you figure out the cause and decide on an effective treatment plan. Having comprehensive health insurance ensures access to timely medical care and treatments, giving you the support needed to manage osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life.