What is Osteoarthritis?

What is Osteoarthritis1

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease. The disease manifests first as a molecular derangement (abnormal joint tissue metabolism) followed by anatomic, and/or physiologic imbalances (characterized by cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, joint inflammation and loss of normal joint function).

OA is characterized by joint pain, swelling and stiffness that leads to activity limitations, movement restrictions, sleep interruption, fatigue and depressed or anxious mood, and in the long run this can mean loss of independence and reduced quality of life.

Image adapted from Medinformer

Osteoarthritis risk groups4

Factors that can increase your risk of osteoarthritis include:

Older age
The risk of osteoarthritis
increases with age.

Gender
Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Obesity
Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints.

Joint injuries
Such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident.

Repeated stress on the joint

Repeated stress on the joint
Repetitive stress on a joint, can eventually develop osteoarthritis.

Genetics

Genetics
Some people inherit a tendency to develop OA.

Bone deformities

Bone deformities
When born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.

Certain metabolic diseases
These include diabetes and hemochromatosis.

Osteoarthritis symptoms4

Pain
Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.

Swelling

Swelling
May be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.

Tenderness

Tenderness
Joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.

Loss of flexibility

Loss of flexibility
Joint may not be able to move through full range of motion.

Grating sensation
Grating sensation felt when joint is used, popping or crackling sound may be heard.

Bone spurs

Bone spurs
Extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.

Stiffness

Stiffness
Joint stiffness is noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive

Osteoarthritis in numbers1

  • More than 240m people globally are suffering with OA.

  • The prevalence of OA is increasing and is expected to continue to escalate.

  • OA accounts for 2.4% of all YLD’s* and is the 10th leading contributor to global YLD’s.

  • OA is the 3rd most rapidly rising condition associated with YLD’s.

  • OA has a significant impact on day-to-day functioning.

  • OA’s effects are irreversible and progressive.

*One YLD represents the equivalent of one full year of healthy life lost due to disability or ill-health.