Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also referred to as “wear and tear disease” as it is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage in the joints. The wearing down of the cartilage creates friction between bones. This degenerative disease leads to the joint’s pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, loss of flexibility, grating sensation or popping sound, and bone spurs. Risk factors include old age, obesity, genetics, sex (there’s a higher risk for females), joint injuries, repeated exposure to joint stress, and bone deformities. The most common joints which are affected are the ones in the hands, spine, hips, and knees.