Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage—the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint. As the cartilage wears away, bones can rub against one another, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint function. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
Age: The risk of developing OA increases with age as cartilage naturally deteriorates over time.
Joint Injury or Overuse: Injuries from sports, accidents, or repetitive stress on a joint can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
Obesity: Extra body weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, hastening cartilage wear.
Bone Deformities: Malformed joints or defective cartilage can increase the risk of OA.
Certain Metabolic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and a high level of uric acid can also contribute to OA.
Impact on Life: Osteoarthritis makes life difficult by causing chronic joint pain and stiffness, which can severely restrict mobility and range of motion, particularly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. This can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting or lying down challenging. These conditions are often poorly managed by medications. We offer intra-articular injections which can help reduce inflammation in the joint.