Osteoarthritis: What is it?

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritic condition. The root cause of osteoarthritis, is a deterioration in the cartilage. In earlier stages, the cartilage becomes swollen, there is a loss of protoglycans and other tissue components; and fissures or pits appear in the cartilage. As osteoarthritis develops the cartilage loses elasticity, becoming more prone to damage. In latter stages, large amounts of cartilage is destroyed leaving bones unprotected.

The problem is exacerbated when the when the body tries to repair the damage. Damaged cells may form around bony areas, and the bone responds by forming mishapen plates around exposed areas. However, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it is not systemic as damage is concentrated in one area.

Osteoarthritis: Does TENS work?