Most of the time, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55, it is more common in women.
The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.
OA can be primary or secondary.
Primary OA occurs without any type of injury or obvious cause.
Secondary OA is osteoarthritis due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of secondary OA are:
Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Osteoporosis and aging; Muscle weakness associated with aging.Changes in posture and gait(walking pattern) are as universally associated with aging as changes in the skin and hair.The skeleton provides support and structure to the body. Joints are...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/10/2008
Joint pain (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Reviewer: Neil J. Gonter, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/24/2008
Joint x-ray(Doctor-Reviewed information)
This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider''s office. The x-ray technologist will help you position the joint to be x-rayed on the ...Reviewer: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/02/2009
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