Osteoarthritis
Anatomy
A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. The knee joint, for example, is formed between the bones of the lower leg (the tibia and the fibula) and the thighbone (the femur). The hip joint is where the top of the thighbone (femoral head) meets a concave portion of the pelvis (the acetabulum).
A healthy joint glides easily without pain because a smooth, elastic tissue called articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones that make up the joint.
Cause
With osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears away. Where there was once smooth articular cartilage that allowed the bones to glide easily against each other when the joint bent and straightened, there is now a frayed, rough surface. Joint motion along this exposed surface is painful.
Osteoarthritis usually develops after many years of use. It affects people who are middle-aged or older. Other risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, previous injury to the affected joint, and family history of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body including the joints of the spine. Symptoms may range from mild to disabling.
A joint affected by osteoarthritis may be painful and inflamed. Without cartilage, bones rub directly against each other as the joint moves. This causes the pain and inflammation. Pain or a dull ache develops gradually over time. Pain may be worse in the morning and feel better with activity. Vigorous activity may cause pain to flare up.
The joint may stiffen and look swollen, enlarged or “out of joint.” A bump may develop over the joint.
Joint movements such as bending, straightening and rotation may become more difficult and loss of motion may follow.
Loose fragments of cartilage can interfere with the smooth motion of a joint. The joint may lock or “stick. It may creak, click, snap, or make a grinding noise (crepitus). An arthritic joint may weaken and weight bearing joints such as a knee or ankle may buckle and give way.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help maintain joint mobility, relieve pain and improve function.
Treatment Options:
Advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for osteoarthritis pain have improved outcomes and can help you return to the activities you enjoy.