title: Osteoarthritis 1: Physiology, risk factors and causes of pain.
abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a synovial joint disorder characterised by pain, stiffness, and restricted function. It is often classed as a degenerative disease because the affected joints deteriorate over time. This article, the first in a three-part series, describes the complex pathophysiology and causes of pain in OA, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Swift
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors