Although osteoarthritis usually accompanies old age, researchers have found that cartilage in the joint becomes chemically different than a joint that does not have the disease.
Researchers have also found that there are usually a series of events which lead to the development of the condition and that, while it is often associated with old age, that association isn’t enough to trigger osteoarthritis.
These particular events involve both the use and breakdown of the cartilage as well as the production and maintenance in the joints. The joints which are affected are usually the larger weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. These provide the majority of the cushion when we are doing any weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running.
Athletes who perform repetitive motion exercises, such as rowing or tennis, will find that osteoarthritis can also develop in the elbow and shoulder areas. (more…)