Definition of osteoarthritis
(Osteo - bone, arthritis - joint inflammation)There is no simple definition of OA. One definition was proposed by a workshop held in 1995 and is interpreted by the author as:
“Osteoarthritic diseases are the result of both mechanical (physical stresses) and biological events which interfere with the balance of building up and breaking down in the joint cartilage and the underlying bone.
OA involves all the tissues of our joints although it may be caused by many factors. OA exhibits multiple changes which result in softening, cracking and ulceration of joint cartilage, hardening of the bone beneath the cartilage and bony outgrowths.
These changes may go unnoticed by the person but when they become evident the symptoms consist of joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, cracking and crunching, perhaps swelling and inflammation.
Unlike arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis there are no systemic effects - ie effects on the whole person such as feeling unwell or loss of weight.”
