Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. It usually affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Treatment includes pain management, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, with joint replacement surgery considered in severe cases. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for osteoarthritis is based on the examination of 27 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for osteoarthritis is included along with 11 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Musculoskeletal Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage degeneration that cushions the bones' ends in the joints. The function of this cartilage is to allow joint movement with virtually no friction. Among the factors that can contribute to the appearance of this pathology are:
- Age, being more frequent from the age of 50 years
- Sex, since women are more prone to suffer it
- Obesity and overweight
- Joint injuries, such as those that occur when practicing sports or by accident
- Jobs or sports that subject the joint to repetitive efforts
- Bone malformations, such as legs of unequal length
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes or hemochromatosis
Symptoms
Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it is much more common in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling of the area
- Crunching of the joint with movement
- Decreased joint function
- Presence of osteophytes, which are bony protrusions that may form around the affected joint
Prevention
Although it is difficult to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis, some measures can help slow down its progression, such as:
- Weight loss, if necessary
- Practicing low-impact exercise regularly
- Good management of diseases such as diabetes
- Avoid joint injuries
- Pay attention to pain and rest the joint when required
- Use assistive devices (such as a cane) or physical therapy
