Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, permanently damaging the flexible tissue at the end of bones over time. It most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is a firm tissue that allows pain-free, frictionless joint motion.
Patients suffering from Osteoarthritis will develop rough surfaces of the cartilage. If, over time, the cartilage completely wears down, patients may experience bone rubbing on bone.
Osteoarthritis is most common as age increases. It is more likely to appear in white, overweight (or obese) women. Patients who have sustained serious joint injuries from sports or accidents are at risk of developing Osteoarthritis. It is possible to inherit Osteoarthritis due to genetics.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Tenderness in joints
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of flexibility
- Bone on bone grating sensation
- Bone spurs
Medications
Learn more about the medications used for treatments:
Euflexxa®, Hyalgan®, Orthovisc®, Supartz FX®, Synvisc-One®, Monovise®
