Ostoearthritis Prevention

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease causing substantial pain, functional limitations and disability in the world. Although several factors such as mechanic stress, biochemical and genetic factors are involved in the etiology and development of this condition, the exact cause is unknown. Osteoarthritis is among the major causes of disability. Impaired ability to perform daily activities such as walking, ascending or descending stairs, sitting and standing due to hip and knee osteoarthritis occurs more often than those caused by other chronic diseases. Osteoarthritis affects more than half of persons over the age of 65 years and 80% of those older than 75 years old. As the population ages, osteoarthritis will become one of the most important health-care challenges of the future. Since there is no cure for osteoarthritis, prevention and reducing the risk factors are very important. In this review, we will address awareness of the risk factors and some prevention methods.