Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a very common disease. Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint, but most of all it affects the articular cartilage (the cartilage covering the ends of the bones). This articular cartilage becomes thin and fragile. This can be due to:

• • Healthy cartilage being exposed to heavy loads over a long period of time (for example, very heavy labour over several years), or
  • Unhealthy cartilage that for some reason cannot handle normal loads.

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of mobility issues and disability in older individuals, but it also affects younger age groups.

• • Around 5% of individuals aged 35-54 have osteoarthritis, often due to prior joint injuries.
  • Approximately 30% of people aged 50-70 experience osteoarthritis-related problems, with prevalence increasing with age.
  • Osteoarthritis was previously described as joint ‘wear and tear’, but it’s now more accurately described as joint failure.
  • Healthy joint cartilage requires balanced degeneration and regeneration, with movement being crucial for its maintenance.
  • Osteoarthritis arises when degeneration outpaces regeneration, leading to thinning, cracking, and potential disappearance of cartilage, resulting in bone-on-bone contact.