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Osteoarthritis (OA), is a when the cartilage that covers the joints becomes inflamed and wears out. The decrease in the rate of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints, also increases the chance of OA. Due to the bone surfaces become less protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain when they apply their weight on the joint, i.e. walking and standing. By the age of 65, it is estimated that 80% of the population will have OA, with at least more than half of presenting with symptoms.
Even though OA usually presents itself in older people, it is understood that this occurs because it is a disease that takes its time to develop. It commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, but also affects other body joints. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, and become more stiff and painful.
There Are Two Types of OA, Primary and Secondary
Primary is related to an aging persons reduced proteoglycan content. This is because the water content in their cartilage decreases, causing it to be less resilient.
Secondary OA is caused by other factors or diseases like Congenital disorders (people with abnormally-formed joints, Diabetes, Inflammatory diseases, joint infection (e.g. from an injury), Hormonal disorders, Obesity (this puts added weight on the joints, especially the knees).
The common causes of OA are trauma, genetics- especially if it has affected multiple members of the same family, and allergies-evidence shows this has a small contributory factor to OA disease. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID), are the most common method of medication in treating Osteoarthritis.
What are the Symptoms of OA
A few Famous people we know who suffer with Osteoarthritis:
Bob Wilson, Dave Prowse (Darth Vader)
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