{"id":2195,"date":"2026-09-10T12:22:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T09:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reocell.com\/?p=2195"},"modified":"2026-09-17T12:29:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T09:29:18","slug":"osteoartroz-shho-cze-take-symptomy-vydy-ta-likuvannya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reocell.com\/en\/blog\/osteoartroz-shho-cze-take-symptomy-vydy-ta-likuvannya\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteoarthritis: What It Is, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the world. According to <\/span>Global Burden of Disease<\/span><\/a> estimates, more than 595 million people were living with osteoarthritis in 2020, accounting for 7.6% of the world’s population. Early symptoms \u2014 pain with activity, stiffness, and reduced mobility \u2014 should be discussed with a doctor, as early adjustment of physical activity, regular exercise, and weight management can help reduce symptoms and preserve joint function.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Osteoarthritis and Why Does Cartilage Break Down?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the entire joint in which the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovial membrane undergo gradual changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthy cartilage covers the ends of the bones within a joint and allows them to glide smoothly during movement. It has no blood vessels of its own and receives nutrients mainly from the synovial fluid. Chondrocytes maintain the structure of cartilage by continuously synthesizing and renewing its extracellular matrix.<\/span><\/p>\n

In osteoarthritis, this balance is disrupted: the breakdown of matrix components begins to outpace their repair. Gradually, the cartilage loses its normal properties, becomes thinner, and becomes less able to withstand mechanical stress. At the same time, the bone beneath the cartilage changes and becomes denser, while bony outgrowths known as osteophytes may form along the edges of the joint.<\/span><\/p>\n

The synovial membrane can also be involved. In osteoarthritis, inflammatory changes may develop within it, accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators that can intensify pain and contribute to further damage to the joint tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Osteoarthritis can affect a variety of joints. It most commonly develops in the knees and hips, the small joints of the hands, and the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knee Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of the disease. Damage to the cartilage of the knee joint can cause pain when walking, climbing or descending stairs, as well as a gradual reduction in mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hip Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Hip osteoarthritis often causes pain in the groin or the front or side of the thigh. Over time, it may become more difficult to walk, climb stairs, bend over, or perform other everyday movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Osteoarthritis of the Small Joints of the Hands and Spine<\/b><\/h3>\n

In osteoarthritis of the hands, the finger joints may be affected, sometimes with the formation of Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes. When the spine is affected, patients may experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stages of Osteoarthritis: Kellgren\u2013Lawrence Classification<\/b><\/h2>\n

The radiographic severity of osteoarthritis is commonly assessed using the <\/span>Kellgren\u2013Lawrence classification<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 0<\/b> \u2014 no radiographic signs of osteoarthritis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 1 <\/b>\u2014 doubtful changes, including possible small osteophytes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 2 <\/b>\u2014 definite osteophytes and possible narrowing of the joint space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 3 <\/b>\u2014 multiple osteophytes, definite narrowing of the joint space, possible subchondral bone sclerosis, and early deformity of the joint surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage 4<\/b> \u2014 marked narrowing or near-complete loss of the joint space, pronounced osteophytes, deformity of the joint surfaces, and subchondral bone sclerosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

The severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the radiographic stage of osteoarthritis. Therefore, treatment decisions also take into account patient-reported symptoms, joint mobility, functional limitations, and the impact of the disease on quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis<\/b><\/h2>\n

Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually, and the nature of the symptoms depends on the joint affected and the extent of the structural changes. Pain with activity and brief stiffness are often the first symptoms. As the disease progresses, restricted movement, muscle weakness, and joint deformity may develop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early Symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n