Development of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common disease of the musculoskeletal system. In the run-up to osteoarthritis, a series of remodeling reactions take place in the joint. The cartilage tissue slowly degenerates and initially goes unnoticed. The result is usually pain in the joint and an associated loss of mobility. While it was previously assumed that the cause of cartilage damage was solely due to overloading the joints, we now know more. Chemical milieu changes such as hyperacidity (acidosis), toxin accumulation or nutrient deficiency in the joint also lead to increased death of cartilage tissue. Even in the early stages of osteoarthritis, this can lead to a considerable loss of cartilage cells. Obviously, as the degree of osteoarthritis increases, the body triggers ever stronger repair mechanisms and osteoarthritic cartilage cells divide more frequently. Although new cartilage tissue is also formed in this way, the loss of cartilage cells ultimately predominates. The regrowing cartilage tissue is also not identical to the original, similar to a scar on the skin. In the advanced stage, all joint structures, including the adjacent bones, ligaments, joint capsule and muscles, are ultimately affected.