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According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 27 million Americans have the chronic disease called osteoarthritis which is also known as OA. Osteoarthritis affects both men and women of all race but primarily those over the age of 45.
The Arthritis Foundation’s website stated, “Men under age 55 are more likely to have OA than women in the same age range. After age 55, however, women are more commonly affected. Overall, more women have osteoarthritis than men. One possible reason: Women’s broader hips may put more long-term stress on their knees.”
The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) website claimed, “Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, which is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.” Also, the NIH stated, “almost everyone has some symptoms [of OA] by age 70. However, these symptoms may be minor.”
Hands, hips and knees are the most common areas of the body affected by OA. But those with OA may also experience shoulder pain.
Interestingly enough, the Foundation’s website verified that “OA rarely affects other joints, except as a result of injury or unusual physical stress.”
Osteoarthritis is not contagious and there is no known cure for the disease. Over time OA may become worse.
OA is defined as a “the breakdown of cartilage – the part of a joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement. As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against one another. This can cause stiffness and pain that make it difficult for you to use that joint. Osteoarthritis can also damage ligaments, menisci and muscles. Over time OA may create a need for joint replacements.”
Primary and secondary are the two types of OA diagnosed by medical professionals. The Arthritis Foundation defined primary and secondary OA as the following:
“Primary osteoarthritis is generally associated with aging and the 'wear and tear' of life. The older you are, the more likely you are to have some degree of primary osteoarthritis. However, not everyone gets it – not even the very old. That’s because OA is a disease, and not part of the normal aging process.
“Secondary osteoarthritis, in contrast, tends to develop relatively early in life, typically 10 or more years after a specific cause, such as an injury or obesity. “
The exact cause of OA may be due to several factors. These factors include:
• Age
• Weight gain
• Injury
• Overuse
• Muscle weakness
• Genetics
• Heredity
References:
Osteoarthritis - PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved May 28, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001460
What Is Osteoarthritis? Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved May 28, 2012, from http://www.arthritis.org/what-is-osteoarthritis.php
Who Gets Osteoarthritis? Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved May 28, 2012, from http://www.arthritis.org/who-gets-osteoarthritis.php
Reviewed May 28, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment2 Comments
Natural supplements are a healthy way to deal with joint pain. Glucosamine and other organic non addictive nutrients are found in My Perfect Joints (www.MyPerfectBones.com) and a lot of people are living more comfortably with it.
May 29, 2012 - 10:06amThis Comment
This is one of those diseases that definitely affects women more than men. And with the proliferation of issues with most medications for this disease. It makes it even tougher for women. Hopefully in the near future there will be a breakthrough in various research projects.
Marielaina Perrone DDS
October 17, 2012 - 10:52amHenderson Dentist
This Comment