Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease which causes the progressive damage of cartilage, which work as shock absorbers of the joints; as a result of this damage the formation of osteophytes and friction between bones occurs, the body’s response is to make the joints stable and with time the joints loss of flexibility, cause pain and inflammation (Arthritis Research U.K. n.d). Common areas affected by Osteoarthritis are knees, hips, neck, back, big toes and hands (women have a higher risk of suffering from the disease). The cause Osteoarthritis is unknown but it may be related to the ageing process as people over 40 are prone to suffer this problem, also being female and/or obese plays an important part in the development of the condition, plus genetic factors predispose people to this chronic degenerative disease. People who suffer joint injuries or who have had operations, especially on knee joints, are also at risk of developing Osteoarthritis (Arthritis Research U.K.). The main...