Osteoarthritis: Impact of Mechanical Loading and Exercise

Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease: is the com-monest cause of pain, disability and impairment in general population. Many risk factors are involved in the development of osteoarthritis but its etiology is still poorly understood. It can affect any joint but mos-tly it is common in weight bearing joints like hip, knee and spine. The forces acting on joint and variations of the structures of the joint are important. There may be mechanical source is one of the reason in which there is abnormal load distribution on weight bearing joints that accelerate wear and tear process. Excessive stress or lack of normal stress may cause major part in the development of osteoarthritis. Excessive stress may be in the form of strenuous physical activates or in case of obesity. Lack of stress may be due to sedentary life style or immobilization of joints after injury. Normal weight bearing is very important for the preservation of normal articular cartilage because it’s essential for the supply and distribution of nutrition in the form of synovial fluids throughout the articular cartilage. Nor-mal weight bearing can be maintained by regular exer-cise in the form of high repetition and low intensity exercises and by managing weight to prevent over stress on joints.