What Are the Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, involves deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones.
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Features
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The weight-bearing joints, such as knees, hips and back, are usually affected most severely by osteoarthritis. However, the hands and knuckles can also be affected.
Factors
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Osteoarthritis can be caused by injury or an inherited cartilage defect. However, more commonly the condition results from the wear and tear of aging, diet and lifestyle. Being overweight increases the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.
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Effects
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In osteoarthritis, the surface of cartilage becomes rough, resulting in friction. The cartilage begins to break down and the normally smooth surfaces of bones become pitted and irregular. The muscles holding the joint together become weaker and the joint eventually becomes deformed, painful and stiff.
Symptoms
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Osteoarthritis usually causes joint stiffness and pain (more stiffness than pain at first), but little or no swelling. As the condition progresses, the bones become more brittle, increasing the risk of fracture. Bone spurs are common.
The Facts
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Osteoarthritis rarely develops before the age of 40, but affects many over 60. Osteoarthritis affects nearly three times as many women as men.
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