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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What causes osteoarthritis?

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    Osteoarthritis Rheumatology
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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    While the exact cause of OA is unknown, joint damage can be due to repetitive movement (also known as “wear and tear”). It can also begin as the result of an injury. Either way, with OA there's erosion of the cartilage, the part of the joint that covers the ends of the bones.Cartilage acts as a shock absorber, allowing the joint to move smoothly.As cartilage breaks down, the ends of the bones thicken and the joint may lose its normal shape.With further cartilage breakdown, the ends of the bones may begin to rub together, causing pain.In addition, damaged joint tissue can cause the release of certain substances called prostaglandins, which can also contribute to the pain and swelling characteristic of the diseas

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