It is more common in older patients. Women have twice the number of suffers as do men. Morning stiffness is common. Osteoarthritis can occur without any underlining causes, such as previous physical injuries or genetic malformations. In fact Osteoarthritis is considered to be a disease of joint wear do to the aging process.
Most arthritic symptoms occur in the knees, hips, ankles and fingers.
The overuse, or overstraining some joints can cause the early development of the disease. Weight lifters frequently develop arthritis in the shoulders and knees, due to repetitive muscle exercises. Further progression of the disease results in cartilage degradation, calcification of the joint and disfigurement. As Osteoarthritis gradually develops, cartilage and collagen tissues start to breakdown. The joint becomes inflamed.