Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that affects the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint. It mainly involves the joints such as the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Over time, the cartilage wears down, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. This condition can make everyday activities like walking or gripping objects difficult. It is often related to aging but can also result from joint injury or overuse. The main impact is on the musculoskeletal system, affecting mobility and quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, and synovial inflammation. It results primarily from mechanical stress and biochemical changes leading to cartilage matrix degradation and chondrocyte dysfunction. The disease commonly affects weight-bearing joints and is associated with joint pain, stiffness, crepitus, and decreased range of motion. Radiographically, it shows joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis, and cysts. It is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability in older adults. The pathogenesis involves an imbalance between cartilage matrix synthesis and degradation, influenced by aging, genetics, and joint injury.