Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a clinical syndrome in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints and destruction or decrease of synovial fluid that lubricates those joints. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of chronic disability in Western countries.