What is Osteoarthritis?

One of the most common forms of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide is known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage between your bones wears down over time.

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, however, it most commonly affects the joints in your knees, hips, shoulders, and spine.

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis symptoms don’t happen overnight, in fact, they often develop slowly and worsen over time. Some signs of osteoarthritis may include:

• Pain – Joints may hurt during or after movement
• Tenderness – Joints may feel tender when applying light pressure
• Stiffness – Joint stiffness is more noticeable when you first wake up or after a period of inactivity
• Loss of flexibility – Joints are no longer able to go through their full range of motion
• Grating sensation – Joints may make noise or provide a grating sensation when using the joint

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual deterioration of the of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joints. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis have cartilage that has become rough instead of its natural slick surface. Without treatments such as the Visco-6 Knee Series or regenerative therapies, cartilage and joints will wear down completely, leaving painful bone on bone contact.

What factors increase the risk of Osteoarthritis?

• Old age –  The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age
• Gender –  Women are most likely to develop osteoarthritis
• Obesity –  Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis. The more you weigh, the greater your risk
• Joint injuries –  Injuries that occur when playing sports or from an accident, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Certain occupations – If your job requires tasks that place repetitive stress on a particular joint, that joint may eventually develop osteoarthritis
• Genetics – Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis

When should you see a doctor for Osteoarthritis?

If you have joint pain or stiffness that won’t go away, click here to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of Rejuvinix’s doctors.