Osteoarthritis

New theory on genesis of osteoarthritis comes with successful therapy in mice

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have turned their view of osteoarthritis (OA) inside out. Literally. Instead of seeing the painful degenerative disease as a problem primarily of the cartilage that cushions joints, ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created 1 hour ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study finds genetic risk factor for knee osteoarthritis

(Medical Xpress)—A newly published paper reports that individuals with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) who had a specific pattern of gene variations in the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN), which is ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 14, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

'Oil for the joints' offers hope for osteoarthritis sufferers

A team of researchers led by a Boston University Biomedical Engineer has developed a new joint lubricant that could bring longer lasting relief to millions of osteoarthritis sufferers. The new synthetic polymer supplements ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created May 02, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Can stem cells help those with arthritis?

Stems cells taken from just a few grams of body fat are a promising weapon against the crippling effects of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis & Rheumatism created Apr 28, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

The Medical Minute: Avoid overexertion injuries from 'spring fever'

Even the most die-hard couch potato can come down with a case of spring fever as the days get longer and the weather warms. You know the symptoms.

Health created Apr 25, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers discover mushrooms can provide as much vitamin D as supplements

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered that eating mushrooms containing Vitamin D2 can be as effective at increasing and maintaining vitamin D levels (25–hydroxyvitamin D) as taking ...

Health created Apr 22, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

In India hip fracture is associated with high rates of mortality and disability

In various studies across different countries the reported one year mortality risks after hip fracture can vary anywhere from 5 to 50 %. In India, however, there has been little research on the risk of mortality and functional ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Apr 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Surgical delay of more than 48 hours increases mortality in older hip fracture patients

Although hip fractures in older patients are known to be a major cause of long term disability and increased risk of death, less is known about the relationship between surgical delay after hip fracture and mortality risk.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Apr 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researcher provides insight into osteoarthritis

A researcher at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research has discovered additional mechanical properties of articular cartilage, a protective cartilage on the ends of bones that wears down over time, resulting in the ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created Apr 19, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Knee bracing can significantly reduce pain of kneecap osteoarthritis, research finds

(Medical Xpress)—Wearing a knee brace has been shown to "significantly improve the pain and symptoms" of a type of osteoarthritis affecting the kneecap, according to a new study.

Arthritis & Rheumatism created Apr 19, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

New research holds promise for treatments for a range of women's health issues

Natural lubricants play an important role in health, including a well-known effect to help prevent osteoarthritis in knee and ankle joints. However, much is still unknown about their role and function in other areas of the ...

Ophthalmology created Apr 18, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

In the earliest stages of arthritis, high-impact exercise may worsen cartilage damage, study finds

Osteoarthritis, which affects at least 20 percent of adults in the United States, leads to deterioration of cartilage, the rubbery tissue that prevents bones from rubbing together. By studying the molecular properties of ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created Apr 17, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Physical therapy often just as good as surgery for knee problem

(Medical Xpress)—Either physical therapy or arthroscopic surgery can relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with a torn meniscus and arthritis in the knee, according to researchers from Washington ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Apr 12, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

'Mobility shoes' take a load off for knee osteoarthritis sufferers

New research suggests that patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who wear flat, flexible footwear (mobility shoes) had significant reduction in knee loading—the force placed upon the joint during daily activities. Results ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created Apr 10, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Cartilage restored using imitation human tissue: End of expensive knee implants in sight

More than one million people in the Netherlands suffer from painful joints. This is due to the wear and tear of cartilage caused by trauma, aging or diseases such as osteoarthritis. Cartilage is the tissue ...

Medical research created Apr 09, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0


Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion. A variety of causes—hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical—may initiate processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.

Treatment generally involves a combination of exercise, lifestyle modification, and analgesics. If pain becomes debilitating, joint replacement surgery may be used to improve the quality of life. OA is the most common form of arthritis, and the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States. It affects about 8 million people in the United Kingdom and nearly 27 million people in the United States.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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