Causes of Osteoarthritis

Cause of Osteoarthritis: Damage or wear-and-tear on cartilage in the joints. May be sped up by injury, abnormality or other type of arthritis.

Cause details for Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage (KAR-til-uj). Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs--small growths called osteophytes--may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage. ¹

Scientists think that several factors may cause OA in different joints. OA in the hands or hips may run in families. OA in the knees is linked with being overweight. Injuries or overuse may cause OA in joints such as knees, hips, or hands.²

Underlying condition causes of Osteoarthritis: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Osteoarthritis) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Osteoarthritis includes:

Osteoarthritis as a complication: Other conditions that might have Osteoarthritis as a complication might be potential underlying causes of Osteoarthritis. The list of conditions listing Osteoarthritis as a complication in our database includes:

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Related information for causes of Osteoarthritis: Further relevant information on causes of Osteoarthritis may be found in the risk factors for Osteoarthritis and underlying causes of Osteoarthritis.

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Handout on Health Osteoarthritis: NIAMS
2. excerpt from Arthritis Advice - Age Page - Health Information: NIA

Last revision: June 4, 2003

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