Musculoskeletal
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Osteoarthritis
Background
Osteoarthritis is a common disease among the elderly population with 1 in 3 people aged 70 and older being affected. It is also one of the leading causes of disability particularly in elderly population.
the bones begin to break down, causing pain and swelling upon joint movement.
Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of joints. It usually affects knees, hips, lower back, neck, joints of fingers and toes.
The risk factors for osteoarthritis include ageing, overweight, trauma to joint due to repetitive movements. In particular, squatting and kneeling are common risk factors of knee osteoarthritis.
In the early stage, cartilages that help reduce friction between
Symptoms and signs
In the later stage, bone spurs may form on the joint causing further inflammation and damage to the joint.
- Limited range of motion due to pain and stiffness joints - Clicking / cracking sound when moving a joint - Mild swelling around the affected joint
