Osteoarthritis Causes

The causes of osteoarthritis are varied.

• Endocrine: People with diabetes may be prone to osteoarthritis. Other endocrine problems also may promote development, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity.
  
  
• Posttraumatic: Traumatic causes can be further divided into macrotrauma or microtrauma. An example of macrotrauma is an injury to the joint such as a bone break causing the bones to line up improperly (malalignment), lose stability, or damage cartilage. Microtrauma may occur over time (chronically). An example of this would be repetitive movements or the overuse noted in several occupations.
  
  
• Inflammatory joint diseases: This category would include infected joints, chronic gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid disease.
  
  
• Metabolic: Diseases causing errors of metabolism may cause osteoarthritis. Examples include Paget disease and Wilson disease.
  
  
• Congenital or developmental: Abnormal anatomy such as unequal leg length may be a cause of osteoarthritis.
  
  
• Genetic: A genetic defect may promote breakdown of the protective architecture of cartilage. Examples include collagen disturbances such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
  
  
• Neuropathic: Diseases such as diabetes can cause nerve problems. The loss of sensation may affect how the body knows the position and condition of the joints or limbs. In other words, the body can't tell when it is injured.
  
  
• Other: Nutritional problems may cause osteoarthritis. Other diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell are further examples.

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Osteoarthritis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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