(OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis and can lead
to chronic pain and disability. Joint Wear and Tear Degenerative
joint disease, another term for OA, is a better description of
the process of wear and tear that gradually softens and breaks
down the joint cartilage that normally prevents bones from
rubbing together. of osteoarthritic joints often show narrowing
of the joint space and destructive changes in the adjacent bone.
Patients with OA generally complain of joint pain and stiffness,
particularly after physical activity. The hips, knees, ankles,
and spine are susceptible to OA since they absorb the brunt of
gravitational forces. The fingers and neck are also prone to OA.
Joint cartilage is made up of cells, called chondrocytes,
embedded in a substance called the extracellular matrix. One of
the primary components of this matrix is a material called
proteoglycan. This material helps cartilage absorb the forces of
friction. With normal aging, the proteoglycan content of the
matrix decreases. T