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OsteoArthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It relates to the changes in cartilage
and bone of joints. The changes could lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and limitations
in mobility. Obesity, joint injury, and muscle weakness are some of the risk factors
for OsteoArthritis. OsteoArthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly it occurs in knees, hips, lower
back and neck. Sometimes, small joints of the fingers, the base of the thumb and
the great toe can be affected by it. As many as 21 million people in the United
States have OsteoArthritis. Some of them may even be without symptoms.
The Difference Between OsteoArthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis The age of onset with OsteoArthritis is 40 and with Rheumatoid Arthritis is between
25-50 years old. OsteoArthritis develops slowly over the course of years, but Rheumatoid Arthritis can be very
acute within weeks or months. OsteoArthritis is symmetrical meaning it occurs in major joints
on both sides of the body, but Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand, affects primarily the small
joints on both sides of the body.
View a video about OsteoArthritis by HealthBreak (TriStar Health,Hendersonville
Medical Center) featuring Dr Ali:
OsteoArthritis
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You can find more information about OsteoArthritis by clicking the link below:
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/oa_new.asp?aud=pat |
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