Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which involves the degeneration of the cartilage located in the joints. Cartilage is the tissue, which is rubbery but firm and that acts as a protective covering at the ends of bones in joints. Cartilage is the shock absorber and reduces friction between the joints. Osteoarthritis can affect any joints in the body, but usually joints that bear weight such as spine, knees and hips are badly affected by it. When osteoarthritis affects the cartilage of any individual, it loses its normal elasticity and turns very stiff. As the cartilage faces the damage, the ligaments and the tendons stretches, which causes pain in the joints of the affected individual. This disease could cause due to several reasons- Genetic, hereditary, tension and stress. Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis is the only treatment that could cure the disease at the root.