Facts You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Can Lead To Decreased Physical Function

The deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue is just the beginning of osteoarthritis. More damage comes from the reaction to this loss. Our body naturally guards any area that senses pain, and by contracting the muscles surrounding the area, the joint is immobilized. The saying ‘move it or lose it’ applies here, as this immobilization results in muscle weakness. Weak muscles typically equal less balance and function. When osteoarthritis goes unmanaged, physical function is lost, and as most of us know, physical function is directly related to quality of life.

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Excess Fat Is One Cause Of Osteoarthritis

There are many contributing factors to osteoarthritis, but being overweight is among the most common. This is because extra weight puts a lot of additional stress on the hips and knees. But while this is true, the connection between weight and osteoarthritis has more to do with the inflammation associated with excess fat. When we carry extra fat mass, there are more inflammatory markers in our circulation. These markers love making friends and encouraging inflammation in other parts of our body. This encourages inflammation around the joints that are being overworked, and inflammation leads to damage.

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