Is osteoarthritis common? - Research and development of chondro therapies

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The latest scientific updates in Chondroprotection aimed at physicians and healthcare professionals

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Chondroitin sulfate's website

Bioiberica Farma - Artrosis
The website of the Pharma - Osteoarthritis division

Última actualización:
16 de mayo de 2012

Is osteoarthritis common?

Osteoarthritis is a common disorder whose prevalence increases with age. From 35 years of age, 50% of people present some sign of the disease. This figure rises to 80% after 55 years and 85% from 65 years of age. There is a difference between sexes, affecting 29.4% of men and 52.3% of women.

What joints are affected by osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees (gonarthritis), some joints of the hands (proximal and distal interphalangeal arthritis), hips (coxarthritis) and small joints of the spine (spondiloarthritis).

What is the most characteristic symptom of osteoarthritis?

Pain is the most characteristic symptom of osteoarthritis, although it may be absent in some forms of the disease. Pain typically appears with the joint movement and improves with rest. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease with periods free of pain in which patients may perform normal daily activity (according to age and physical condition), followed by outbreaks of joint pain.

Besides pain, what are the other signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Along with pain, the patient may perceive cracks when moving the affected joint and intermittent joint effusion may occasionally occur (presence of fluid at the affected joint). In advanced osteoarthritis, joint movement may be limited and deformities may occur (e.g. nodes on fingers).

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

Causes of osteroarthritis have not yet been established; however some risk factors are associated with the onset of the disease. Age plays an essential role in the onset of arthritis. Some jobs (hairdresser, bricklayer) and sport activities require repeated joint movements resulting in joint overload over the long run, and thus triggering arthritis in some joints. Obesity itself does not seem to be involved in the onset of arthritis, but it may worsen the disease in some joints (knees). Genetic factors have been related to specific forms of arthritis. Old fractures may also promote the onset of osteoarthritis. .

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is established based on the symptoms and complementary X-ray images. The most common X-ray findings are due to the wear of the joint. Additional X-ray images won’t provide further evidence nor will result in changing the treatment. Blood chemistry tests are not useful for diagnosing arthritis, but they are used to rule out other rheumatic diseases.

Is osteoarthritis a disabling disease?

In most cases osteoarthritis is not disabling. Although curative treatments are not yet available, there are therapies which are efficient in relieving pain, improving mobility and slowing down the progression of the disease.

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