Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (pronunciation: /ˌɒstɪoʊɑːrˈθraɪtɪs/), also known as OA, is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness.
Etymology
The term "osteoarthritis" is derived from the Greek words "osteon" (bone), "arthron" (joint), and "itis" (inflammation), although inflammation may not be a significant factor in osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of osteoarthritis may include pain that is worse after exercise or weight bearing, along with stiffness and a reduced ability to move the joint. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include increasing pain, decreasing range of motion, and joint swelling.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones, often due to age or wear and tear. Other risk factors include joint injuries, obesity, and family history.
Treatment
While there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Cartilage
Cartilage (pronunciation: /ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/) is a resilient and smooth elastic tissue, a rubber-like padding that covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints, and is a structural component of the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes, the intervertebral discs, and many other body components.
Function
Cartilage serves several functions, including providing a framework upon which bone deposition can begin and supplying smooth surfaces for the movement of articulating bones.
Types
There are three types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. Each serves a specific function and is found in different locations in the body.
Disorders
Cartilage does not contain blood vessels, so when damaged, it does not heal as well as most tissues in the body. Disorders of cartilage include osteoarthritis, costochondritis, and relapsing polychondritis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
- Wikipedia's article - Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
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