What is Osteoarthritis? | Ask the Expert: Orthopedics with Dave Stoll, PA-C, Utica Park Clinic

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What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative process that affects the joints of a large segment of the population. OA can affect a single joint or multiple joints. Following are a few symptoms and common causes of this degenerative process.

Osteoarthritis is primarily an inflammatory condition that is a result of deterioration of joint cartilage. Cartilage is thought to be one of the most frictionless substances known to man. This tissue covers the end of the bone and cushions the impact our joints receive. Cartilage has no blood supply of its own and therefore has very limited ability to heal itself. As a result, anything that causes this tissue to break down can lead to pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness. Arthritic pain is usually gradual in onset and slowly worsens over time. In some instances however, an arthritic joint may not be painful until triggered by a minor injury, misstep or twist of the affected joint. In these cases, it is recommended to first address any injuries that may have occurred. By addressing the injury first, patients may be able to get back to a pre-injured state despite an underlying arthritic condition.

Causes of osteoarthritis:

Age – Osteoarthritis is generally associated with older age. While our joints may degenerate with normal wear and tear of daily life, many younger people may develop OA because of injuries.

Genetics – Osteoarthritis seems to run in families. This may affect genetic bone and joint structure as well as body make up.

Activity – People who perform manual labor with frequent and repetitive heavy lifting, kneeling, stooping, squatting, and stair climbing may be predisposed to early OA. Those who participate in at-risk activities may also be subject to increased wear and tear of their joints.

Injuries – Many children and young adults involved in sports may have joint-related injuries at a young age, which damage cartilage and could lead to joint degeneration later in life.

Weight – Obesity puts additional stress on joints that may already be predisposed to OA. Obesity alone may not cause OA, but it has the potential to accelerate the process of cartilage breaking down.

There are other related causes of OA, both direct and indirect, that can lead to joint degeneration or osteoarthritis. The important thing to note is that we are given one set of cartilage. While OA cannot be prevented altogether, there are a few things you can do to reduce its damaging effects. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, and protecting yourself with proper padding and gear while engaging in sports will go a long way in this endeavor.

We will address potential treatments for osteoarthritis in the next post.