What is Osteoarthritis?

For you and the family to know

This is just a sample from our e-book.

Because of a great public interest in this subject we decided to write this report in great detail. It's a very long report so grab a drink and read on. Some research information is taken from NIH Publication No. 06-4617

This report is for sufferers, their families, carers and others interested in learning more about the disorder.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement.

In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its 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.

People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, 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. It begins at a younger age than osteoarthritis and causes swelling and redness in joints, and may make people feel sick, tired, and (uncommonly) feverish.

Who Has Osteoarthritis?

More than 7 million adults in the UK (15% of the population) have long-term health problems due to arthritis and related conditions. Almost 9 million people in the UK (19% of the population) visited their GP in the past year with arthritis and related conditions More than 2 million people visited their GP in the past year because of osteoarthritis.......................................end of sample.

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