Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by progressive breakdown of protective articular cartilage cushioning the ends of bones, most frequently affecting knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Aging & Joint Wear-and-Tear: Cumulative cartilage degeneration over time.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints (knees & hips).
- Prior Joint Injury: Previous ligament tears, fractures, or repetitive occupational joint stress.
- Genetics & Bone Deformities: Inherited cartilage defects or joint malalignment.
Symptoms
- Joint pain during or after movement.
- Joint stiffness noticeable upon awakening or after inactivity (lasting < 30 minutes).
- Tenderness, loss of flexibility, and grating sensation (crepitus).
- Bony enlargements (Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes in finger joints).
Clinical Management
- Non-Pharmacological Therapy: Quadriceps strengthening exercises, low-impact swimming/walking, and weight loss.
- Pharmacotherapy: Topical NSAIDs, oral analgesics, and chondroprotective supplements under physician direction.
- Joint Preservation: Intra-articular hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections for acute flare-ups.
