Understanding Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a disease involving inflammation of the bone and joint cartilage, contrary to previous beliefs. It affects synovial joints, leading to progressive loss of articular cartilage and increased friction between bones, triggering pain through nerve endings. Chondrocytes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy articular cartilage by balancing catabolic and anabolic activities.
Causes and Effects of Osteoarthritis Age, inflammation, proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6,and TNF are major risk factors for osteoarthritis. Joint injury, mechanical stress obesity,nervous disorders genetic factors,and certain medications also contribute to its development.Chondrocytes attempt repair but eventually become exhausted,resulting in weakened cartilage that erodes away,bone eburnation occurs with exposure,rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritisin terms of morning stiffness,pain sensation,symptoms.Pharmacological treatments focus on reducing painand inflammation while non-pharmacological approachesinclude weight management,mild exercise,and physical therapy.