Osteoarthritis

Hello, Everyone! For today, Auntie going to talk about Osteoarthritis.

For your info, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is defined as progressive and repetitive damage of cartilage (cushion-like connective tissue located between the bones), which resulting the inflammation of the joints. The damaged cartilage might be due to being overweight, one' past injuries, or from over-worn or overuse during the younger age (sports or hard labor).

Other factors include gender, family history and medical history. You see, women have higher risk of getting osteoarthritis than men, because of the hormonal changes, especially after the menopause. As for family history, osteoarthritis tends to run in genetically in a family. So, if any of your relatives are having osteoarthritis, there is chances that you are having it too. Lastly, if you are having any medical history related to bleeding near the joint/s such as hemophilia (inherited bleeding condition), or rheumatoid arthritis, your are most likely have osteoarthritis.

Now, you already know who would be at risk of getting osteoarthritis. Let's move on to 'how does it happen?'. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down as time goes on. Thus, the bone within the joint starts to rub together and caused pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can damage any joints, it commonly affects the joints in fingers, hands, knees, hips, spine and ankles.

Diagram 1 shows the stages of Osteoarthritis in the knee
Image credited to TeachMeSurgery.com

You, must be curious to know the symptoms of having osteoarthritis. Well, just look at the diagram below. If you repetitively  having any of the symptoms in the past 6 months in any of the joints, especially at your knees and hips, then it is advisable for you to consult with a doctor for confirmation. However, just like Auntie explained earlier, the symptoms it progressively developed. So, sometimes, the symptoms are barely noticed by us at younger age. But, if you still having doubt, you may pay a visit to a doctor.

Diagram 3 shows symptoms of Osteoarthritis

That's basically all about Osteoarthritis. Be sure to check out MOBITREX and ORTHOTREX! Next update, Auntie will share about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Til next time! Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!