Consequences of osteoarthritisAim and objectivesThe aim of this essay was to undertake a review of the literature on osteoarthritis. Topics covered include: what osteoarthritis really is, causes, symptoms, treatments, how one form of treatment works, side effects of this treatment and other treatments. There were two objectives for this SSA. The first aim was to find out what osteoarthritis is and how it affects the body and the second aim was to find out what treatment is available in the UK. What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that affects the majority of people over the age of 65 and is the most common type. [1] [4] This is most commonly seen in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. [1][2]Fig. 1 Normal joint [3]Figure 1 shows what a normal joint looks like. It shows that the ends of adjacent bones are covered with smooth cartilage that allows the ends of the bones to move easily and painlessly against each other when the joint is moved. Articular cartilage is a firm, gel-like substance that also acts as a shock absorber. It is composed of collagens made up of proteoglycans (proteins linked to carbohydrates and amino acids) and water. Chondrocytes responsible for synthesizing new cartilage and maintaining quality are found inside the cartilage. The synovium-lined capsule produces a viscous fluid that helps the ends of the joints move easily by acting as a lubricant called synovial fluid. [1]Usually, joints work well together, provided the bone tissue and cartilage are still regenerating. If the cartilage shrinks in size, it can put pressure on other tissues and work overtime to try to compensate. [1]Fig. 2 Synovial joint with seven...... middle of paper ...... Available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp[9] Bupa. (2014) Treatment options for osteoarthritis. [accessed May 1, 2014]. Available at http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/o/osteoarthritis[10] Neogi, T. and Scholz, J. (2009) Neurobiological mechanisms of osteoarthritic pain and analgesic treatment. Pain in osteoarthritis. Canada: Wiley-Blackwell, pp.241-242[11] NHS Choice. (2012) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NHS, [accessed May 1, 2014]. Available at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal/Pages/Introduction.aspx[12] Conaghan, PG and Nelson AE (2012) Pharmacological management. Quick facts: osteoarthritis. 2nd ed. Abingdon: Health Press Limited, p. 80-81.[13] British National Form. (2013) 65th ed. London: BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press, pp... 666-667.