{"id":109,"date":"2023-09-04T13:38:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T13:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flexiseq.com\/?p=109"},"modified":"2024-10-26T15:34:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-26T15:34:12","slug":"the-science-of-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flexiseq.com\/blogs\/expert-advice\/the-science-of-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Science of Osteoarthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, where it affects around 8.75 million people. It causes joints to become painful and stiff, which can lead to less mobility and chronic pain. But what actually is osteoarthritis, how does it work and what can you do to manage your symptoms?
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\n \n What is arthritis?
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\u201cArthritis is a broad term referring to inflammation and degeneration of the joints, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility,\u201d says Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD, a medical advisor for the Health Reporter.<\/a> \u201cThere are various forms of it, with osteoarthritis being the most prevalent.\u201d Other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Each type has different causes and symptoms, but they all involve inflammation and damage to the joints.\u201d<\/p>\n

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears down. When cartilage wears down, bone rubs on bone, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility.<\/p>\n

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, fingers, shoulders and spine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n \n What is cartilage and how can it become damaged?
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\u201cCartilage is the smooth, flexible, and rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints, providing a low-friction surface and acting as a shock absorber during movement,\u201d says Dr. Rosmy Barrios. \u201cIt becomes damaged due to several key causes. For example, injuries or repetitive stress on the joints can lead to the breakdown of cartilage, causing it to become rough and thin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, such as:<\/p>\n