06/05/2022
COMPLICATIONS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is characterised by joint pain and loss of function. It is the most usual form of arthritis across the globe, around 3.3% to 3.6%.
Osteoarthritis is of two types-
1. Primary Osteoarthritis - This type is related to the risk factors like age, gender, hereditary factors, obesity, poor muscle and joint health, sport or occupational injuries.
2. Secondary Osteoarthritis - This occurs as a consequence of any existing joint abnormality like haemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, osteopetrosis, inflammatory arthritis and congenital joint disorders.
Some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness in joints, loss of mobility, poor flexibility and bone spurs.
Elderly people are at more risk of developing osteoarthritis. It is more prevalent among women than men. Overweight people who are involved in intense activities exerting a lot of pressure on their joints are also susceptible to develop osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis at times becomes very difficult to manage. Some degree of inflammation, bone erosion, deposition of calcium crystals, damaged collagen and joint destruction are also observed among osteoarthritic patients.