Osteoarthritis is one of the many forms of arthritis common in middle-aged and elderly people. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis which tends to spread throughout the skeletal system, osteoarthritis is concentrated at specifically affected joints. A decrease in cartilage and fluid lining the meeting point between two bones causes these bones to grind against each other. Additionally, cysts and osteophytes, which are bony outgrowths in the affected area, can develop. The bones underneath these growths thicken and become deformed. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include audible grinding and grating from the joints, muscle spasms, stiffness, and loss of mobility or range of motion and of course, the debilitating pain. The preponderance of these symptoms often results in osteoarthritis disability.
It was once a widely held belief that osteoarthritis disability was a natural stage of aging. However, in recent years of research and study there is no evidence showing that a healthy joint exposed to normal stress and use will definitely develop osteoarthritis. There are many theories as to what will specifically cause this condition. Some are subject to debate. One theory proposes that micro-fractures damaging the bone trigger the tiny outgrowths and deterioration of the cartilage resulting in osteoarthritis. Other medical professionals believe that the root of the condition lies within the cartilage rather than the bone. They propose that the increased stress upon the bone is due to the degeneration of the cartilage and that pathological alterations occur as the body attempts to heal the damaged cartilage.
Predicting Osteoarthritis Disability
Although no medical study will decisively say that age causes osteoarthritis, its occurrence is prevalent in people who are middle-aged and older. Middle –aged women with a family history of osteoarthritis seem to be the group at highest risk of developing osteoarthritis disability. Osteoarthritis is preceded by high bone density unlike osteoporosis which is brought on by low bone density, a common malady of middle-aged women. Also at risk are people who have an inherent abnormality in joint configuration or fit, unequal length of the legs, misalignment of the spine or weakness in the thigh or leg muscles. Occupations involving strenuous, repetitive motions causing trauma to joints are also at risk for developing osteoarthritis disability. Some researchers find validity in the claim that osteoarthritis can be caused by a body’s lack of the vitamins C and D as well as free oxygen radicals.
By understanding possible and proven causes of osteoarthritis, we may find ways to prevent osteoarthritis disability. By being aware of the contributing factors existing in our life styles, we can begin to make changes in behavior and possibly avoid all the forms of arthritis in the process.
