Wear and repair
Osteoarthritis is some times referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. However, this term is actually inaccurate, and it is more accurate to describe osteoarthritis as a process of wear and repair. This is because the condition is a slow repair process that the body uses to repair joints that have become damaged over time.
Usually, the repair process will pass unnoticed and you will not experience any symptoms. However, if a joint undergoes a particularly traumatic injury, or for some reason, your body’s ability to repair itself is weakened, then damage to the affected joint will continue and you will experience the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage to the protective surface (cartilage) that allows your joints to move smoothly. The cartilage becomes worn and uneven which causes your bones to get thicker and broader.
Your joints may become knobbly where your bones begin to protrude, forming bony lumps, which are called osteophytes. As your bones thicken and broaden, your joints will become stiff, painful, and be difficult to move. There may also be a build up of fluid in your joints which causes them to swell up.
Contributory factors
The reason why the breakdown in the repair process that leads to osteoarthritis occurs is unknown. However, it is thought that there are probably several factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors are outlined below.
Joint injury or disease
Osteoarthritis can develop in a joint that has been previously damaged by an injury, or operation. Overusing your joint when it is has not had enough time to heal after an injury, or operation, can also contribute to osteoarthritis in later life.
Sometimes, osteoarthritis can occur in joints that have been severely damaged by a previous, or existing, condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by your body’s own immune system.
Osteoarthritis that develops as a result of damage, or another condition, is known as secondary osteoarthritis. It is possible for secondary osteoarthritis to develop many years after the initial damage to your joint.
Family history
In some cases, osteoarthritis may be passed on from one member of a family to another. It is estimated that 40-60% of cases of hand, knee, and hip osteoarthritis may have a genetic link, although the genes that carry the condition are not yet known.
Being obese
Research into the causes of osteoarthritis has shown that being obese puts excess strain on your joints, particularly those that bear most of your weight, such as your knees and hips. As a result, osteoarthritis can often be worse in those who are obese.
