Osteoarthritis -degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis results from
overuse of joints. It can be the consequence of demanding sports, obesity, or aging.
The disease often occurs early in life with athletes or those who suffered an injury
in young adulthood. Osteoarthritis in the hands is frequently inherited and often
happens in middle-aged women.
The disease causes stiffness, pain and swelling. It is most common in joints that
bear weight such as:
The knees.
The hips.
The feet.
The spine.
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage gradually breaks down.
As more damage occurs:
Cartilage starts to wear away, or it doesn't work as well as it once did to cushion
the joint.
Cushioning effect of the joint is lost. The result is pain when the joint is moved.
Painful spurs or bumps may appear on the end of the bones, especially on the fingers
and feet.
Inflammation may occur in the joint lining as a response to the breakdown of cartilage.
Symptoms often come on gradually over months or even years.
Symptoms may occur such as:
Deep, aching pain in a joint - sometimes induced by pressure
