Osteoarthritis Health Center

Between joints, a layer of cartilage provides a smooth surface for the ends of bones to glide over each other. As people age, this cartilage may begin to break down through natural wear and tear. When the bones start to rub directly against one another, people may experience pain. Also, as the body tries to make up for lost cartilage, patients may develop osteophytes or "bone spurs," which can also be painful.

Even though osteoarthritis is more common among older people, young people can develop it too. When young people develop osteoarthritis, it is usually the result of a joint injury, a joint malformation or a genetic defect in the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually over time. Risk factors that might lead to osteoarthritis include the following:

  • Being overweight
  • Growing older
  • Joint injury
  • Joint malformation
  • Genetic defect in joint cartilage
  • Joint stress from certain jobs, sports or activities
Review Date: 
June 29, 2012
Last Updated:
July 21, 2014
Source:
dailyrx.com