is a problem whereby the cartilage of one more joints under performs and ultimately gives way, leaving a void between two joints. Normally, joints function smoothly because there is a cushion between them in the form of the cartilage, which supports the pressure of movement of the joints. When this important part of the joint gives way, it leads to the bones of the joints grinding against each other during movement and this causes the excessive pain and eventual wear and tear of the bone itself.

Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, spine, feet and the heavy weight supporting joints, such as the hips and knees.

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?

Primary Osteoarthritis is usually related to the aging process. Advancing age leads to increase in water content of the cartilage and at the same time the protein content of the cartilage deteriorates. This leads to cracking of the cartilage and its eventual loss.

Recurring use of worn out joints can also inflame and irritate the joints, leading to swelling and pain in the joints.

The absence of cartilage from in between the joints leads to friction between the joint bones, resulting in pain and consequently limiting mobility. This happens because the affected person avoids mobility to ensure less pain.

Secondary Osteoarthritis is a result of some disease or condition which includes excessive weight, surgery, repeated trauma to the joints, abnormal joint condition at birth, diabetes, gout and other hormone disorders.

Excessive weight is also one of the major causes of osteoarthritis of the knees as the excess weight increases the stress and strain on the cartilage, resulting in its early deterioration.

Similar is the case with weight lifters, a sport which requires high body weight.

Soccer players also have the condition of early osteoarthritis of the knees as the sport involves repeated trauma to the ligaments, bones and cartilage.

Osteoarthritis and cartilage deterioration can also be caused due crystal deposits in the cartilage.

Abnormally formed joints at birth are also more prone to mechanical wear which may lead to early deterioration and loss of cartilage.

Hip joint osteoarthritis may also be the result of improper joint formation since birth.

Diabetes and growth hormone disorders may also cause early cartilage deterioration and osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

•    Pain in the affected joints after continual use

•    Gradual increase in pain during later part of the day

•    There may be warmth, swelling and creaking of the affected joints

•    Mobility becoming limited

•    Long periods of immobility can also lead to stiffness and pain in the joints

•    Advanced stage of osteoarthritis, where there is complete absence of cartilage, can cause pain even with no movement, due to friction between bones.

•    Over a period of time, osteoarthritis can also lead to malformation of the outward curvature of knees, giving a bow-legged appearance.

•    Osteoarthritis of the knees can also result in limping which may degenerate as more cartilage deteriorates.

•    Pain in the lower back or neck is caused by osteoarthritis of the cervical spine or lumbar spine.

•    Osteoarthritis of the spine can lead to formation of bony spurs along the arthritic spine. These formations can aggravate spinal nerves causing numbness and severe pain.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis:

Exercising helps by strengthening the muscular support around the joints. It also keeps the joints from “freezing up” and at the same time improves mobility. It is also beneficial in weight reduction.

One of the ways to relieve pain and swelling after exercise is to apply local heat before and cold packs after exercise

Swimming is an ideal exercise for those affected with osteoarthritis as there is very less pressure on the joints.