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| Standard Definition |
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Also known as degenerative or ' wear-and-tear' arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the cartilage lining of the joints breaks down, resulting in pain and decreased mobility. It is associated with aging and injury, and is estimated to affect over 80% of people > 50 years old to some degree. Most commonly affected joints are the hip, knee and fingers. |
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| Underlying Disruption in Function |
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The physiological response to joint degradation is an excessive generation of free radicals, which in turn damage the cartilage structure, function and capacity for repair. If free radical levels are maintained (as a result of inflammation, infection, poor diet or pollution, for example) cartilage continues to be lost. This seemingly irreversible process of degradation is considered to be the normal progression of OA, but many practitioners of integrative medicine disagree. Connective tissue repair and remodelling involves proteoglycans, large complex modified sugar molecules that form the framework for collagen and are a key component of the ground substance that helps make up cartilage. Providing the body with these building blocks, in combination with various nutrients has been shown to inhibit the progression and reduce the symptoms of this disease. |
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| Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Increasing age
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
- Trauma to the joints
- History of inflammatory joint disease
- Metabolic or endocrine disorders
- Repetitive stressful joint use, such as that associated with certain occupations
- Food allergy or sensitivity
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| Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Joint pain, especially with exercise
- Loss of mobility
- Joint swelling and bony deformity
- Muscle wasting
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| Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.
- Allergy and food intolerance testing
- Vitamin and Mineral assessment
- Heavy Metal and Toxicity assessment
- Biochemical assessments
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