Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage to the protective surface (cartilage) that allows your joints to move smoothly. The cartilage becomes worn and uneven which causes your bones to get thicker and broader. The main cause of osteoarthritis is a mismatch between damage that is caused to your cartilage and the repair process. If you develop osteoarthritis, the damaged cartilage cannot repair itself in the normal way. Your joints may become knobbly where your bones begin to protrude, forming bony lumps, which are called osteophytes. As your bones thicken and broaden, your joints will become stiff, painful, and be difficult to move. There may also be a build up of fluid in your joints which causes them to swell up. Contributory factors The reason why the breakdown in the repair process that leads to osteoarthritis occurs is unknown. However, it is thought that there are probably several factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors are outlined below. Wear and tear Your joints are always exposed to a small amount of damage through your daily activities and, in most cases, are able to repair themselves. However, osteoarthritis may occur because your body's natural repair process cannot always make up for the wear and tear of everyday life. This may help to explain why osteoarthritis is common in people who are over 50 years of age, and also why the condition becomes more common as you get older. It is not known exactly what triggers osteoarthrit
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