Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Sufferers!
This article is also for them, their families and others interested in learning more about the disorder.It describes osteoarthritis and its symptoms and contains information about diagnosis and treatment, as well as current research efforts supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
It also discusses pain relief, exercise, and quality of life for people with osteoarthritis. If you have further questions after reading this article, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor.

What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease.

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement.In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs--small growths called osteophytes--may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage.

People with osteoarthritis................click to read this extensive and interesting article...........

Peter Charalambos
Editor:
My Health Articles.co.uk
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