Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of the material, called cartilage, that covers the joint. Cartilage is a tough elastic material that acts as a shock absorber. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thinner and may even disappear in some places. When this happens, bone rubs against bone, causing pain. Under this weakened cartilage, the bone tries to regenerate and forms growths, called spurs or osteophytes. The joint may become deformed, larger, and lose its mobility. For more information on osteoarthritis of the knee, the hip, the big toe, the finger joints and the thumb, please click on the left menu.
A number of predisposing factors are associated with osteoarthritis:
- Advanced age
- Heredity
- Being overweight
- Knee injury
- Surgery involving the meniscus (particularly at a young age)
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Pain
- Main symptom
- Deep ache in joint
- Made worse by continuing to use the joint
- Pain may cause: sleep disturbances, difficulty moving
Swelling
- A bump or node may appear (for example, on the joints of the fingers or at the base of the thumb)
- Flare-ups may present with soft tissue swelling and warmth at the joint
Stiffness
- Joints may feel sore and stiff after inactivity (often in the morning); this stiffness is generally of short duration
- Pain may occur with movement
Redness
- Redness may appear due to increased inflammation at the joint
Cracking Sounds
- Grating or cracking noises with sensation of bone rubbing against bone
- Probably due to roughened joint surfaces and outgrowths at the rim of the joint
- May be due to the formation of gas bubbles within the synovial fluid
Thank You
Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. would like to thank Anne-Marie Labonté, The Arthritis Society, FrédéricMorin, M.D., Rheumatologist, Angèle Turcotte, M.D., Rheumatologist and Monique Camerlain, M.D., Rheumatologist for their implication and collaboration with this project.
The efforts made by these individuals were instrumental in the accomplishment of this web site. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. wishes to acknowledge their contribution.
Note :
Always consult your doctor before changing your diet or your level of physical activity.
04-08 04-CDN-54060122-WEB
