Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in older people. It is a joint disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Healthy cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones and allows the bones to glide over one another and absorb energy from the shock of physical movement. In this disease, the cartilage breaks down and wears away. Due to this, the two bones rub together and cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
It can occur in any joint of the body but most often it develops in the hands and weight bearing joints, including the knees, hips and sine usually in the neck and lower back.
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CAUSES
- Excessive consumption of dry, cold or stale food
- Exposure to severe cold and dry weather
- Excessive use of any joint
- Obesity
- Due o any kind of injury in the joint
- Hereditary
- Old age