Why does osteoarthritis cause disability?

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes disability because it wears away cartilage that supports the joints of the hands, spine, hips and knees. This leads to debilitating pain as the bones begin rubbing against one another and can interfere with a person's ability to work and perform otherwise normal activities such as standing up after spending a few hours in a seated position.

Osteoarthritis can also damage muscles and ligaments. People who have osteoarthritis sometimes feel depressed and helpless because of their limitations, which can also be disabling. Medication and physical therapy can help. If all else fails, joint replacement surgery can often help people with OA regain their independence.

Disability is a common result of years of degenerating joints that cause pain, restrict mobility, and limit daily activities such as work. Osteoarthritis is known to cause disability in later life. There are ways to avoid or slow down the disabling effects of osteoarthritis with pain medications, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery. It usually takes years for osteoarthritis to become severe, but in some cases it can progress quickly. There are varying degrees of disability. Only a doctor can diagnose you with a disability related to osteoarthritis.