This edition focuses on the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide – Osteoarthritis.
Now according to the World Health Organization, WHO, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis in 2019; an increase of 113% since the year 1990.
This condition occurs when the protective cartilage – a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion, deteriorates over time.
Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, the bone will rub on the bone.
Besides the breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and break down of the connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone, which also lead to inflammation of the joint lining.
The symptoms include pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling of joints and loss of flexibility.
Many factors can contribute to developing osteoarthritis. Some include a history of joint injury or overuse, older age and being overweight.