Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability in older adults. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of the cartilage, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. Along with the wearing away of cartilage, osteoarthritis is characterized by deterioration of tendons and ligaments, bone spurs (bony projections that develop along the edges of bones) and inflammation of the joint lining called as synovial membrane or synovium.
Age is normally considered to be the major risk factor for osteoarthritis, but there are other risk factors too which contributes towards this condition such as gender, genetics, type of activity (any activity which puts repetitive stress on a joint), injuries, and one major factor is obesity as excess weight puts a lot of stress on a weight bearing joints such as knee and hip joints.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include sharp pain in the joints, pain and stiffness can be felt when you have not moved your joints for a while, mild swelling around the joint, reduced joint range of motion and joint stiffness, etc. If it is remained undiagnosed and untreated it can cause permanent damage to the joint.
Normally doctors prescribe medications for relieving pain and inflammations. Along with medication a lifestyle change is required to effectively manage this condition which involves healthy eating and exercise. Also, knowing this condition is likely to occur with age or there might be other factors which can contribute to this condition therefore it is better to sense the signs early and make regularly physical activity and healthy eating as a part of your lifestyle.