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What is osteoarthritis ?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It describes a process where the cartilage in the joints is wearing away causing the bones to be closer, otherwise known as narrowing of the joint spaces. The joint spaces are maintained not only by the cartilage, which is softer than bone, but also by the synovial fluid in the joint. The synovial fluid is a thick fluid which is present to help with smooth movement of the joint as well as to serve as a shock absorber for the joint. As we age, we have less lubrication in the joint, again causing a narrowing of the joint space.
Although the knee is not the only joint affected by arthritis, it is one that affects mobility and general function. |