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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Controlling Your Arthritis

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Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that permits nearly frictionless joint motion. In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone.

Risk factors Symptoms

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References
  1. Handout on health: Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 15, 2011.
  2. Osteoarthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00227. Accessed July 22, 2011.
  3. Lane NE, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Aug. 15, 2011.
  4. Kalunian KC. Risk factors and possible causes of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  5. Kalunian KC. Diagnosis and classification of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  6. Lozada CJ. Management of osteoarthritis. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  7. Osteoarthritis. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http//www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  8. Lorig K, et al. Hints, tips, gadgets and resources. In: Lorig K, et. al. The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping With Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. 6th ed. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Press; 2006:55.
  9. Berman BM, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;12:901.
  10. Sawitzke AD, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2010;8:1459.
  11. Wang C, et al. Tai chi is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009;11:1545.
  12. Haaz S, et al. Yoga for arthritis: A scoping review. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. 2011;37:33.
  13. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 24, 2011.
DS00019 Oct. 13, 2011

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