Osteoarthritis - Causes
Osteoarthritis - Causes
"Wear and tea" is seen in all things that are used, which is also seen with joints. They can function well for a longer duration when they are adequately maintained. Degeneration of the cartilage that exists between the bones is the main cause of osteoarthritis. Due to the progression of degeneration, the cartilage can get eroded completely, which causes rubbing of the bones during a joint movement. This causes the pain and grating sensation during any movement. Various reasons can be associated with wearing of the cartilage, such as -
- Ageing
- Joint injury or repetitive trauma
- Hereditary
- Diabetes
- Muscle weakness
- Excess weight
- Abnormality of joint anatomy
- Presence of rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gout or any other disorder affecting bones or joints
- Disorders associated with growth hormone
- Inappropriate footwear that leads to increased and imbalanced pressure on the knees
When the cause of osteoarthritis is known, it is regarded as secondary osteoarthritis, and when the cause is unknown, it is termed as primary osteoarthritis.
