Which joint issues are commonly associated with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects various joints in the body. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, which leads to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. One key aspect of osteoarthritis is its ability to affect both weight-bearing joints—such as the knees, hips, and spine—and non-weight-bearing joints, such as the hands and fingers.

Weight-bearing joints are directly involved in bearing the body's weight during activities like walking and running, and they often show early signs of wear and tear in individuals with osteoarthritis due to the mechanical stresses placed on them. However, non-weight-bearing joints can also be affected by osteoarthritis, particularly in older adults, where the disease can lead to pain and dysfunction in areas such as the hands, which are not primarily weight-bearing but still experience usage and stress over time.

By encompassing both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing joints, the understanding of osteoarthritis aligns with the clinical presentation seen in patients. This highlights the diverse impact of the condition beyond just the major joints that endure the most load, further emphasizing the need for holistic assessment and management strategies when treating individuals with osteoarthritis.