Osteoarthritis: A Degenerative Bone Disease

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease characterised by low grade inflammation of the joint due to wear of cartilage and destruction or decrease in the synovial fluid that is present between the joints.

Causes

• Genetic factor
• Age
• Trauma

Sign and symptoms

• Acute pain because of stiffness of joint
• Crepitus or a crackling sound of the bone on moving or touching the joint
• Muscle spasm
• Fluid collection in the joints specially in humid or cold weather
• Weight bearing joints are most commonly affected like hips,knees,feet and spine