Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), classified as primary and secondary, is a degenerative joint disease that serves as the most prevalent form of arthritis in Western medicine. Primary OA is largely attributed to aging and typically manifests around age 55, while secondary OA is accelerated by factors such as obesity, injury, and genetics. The condition involves the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to alterations in the underlying bone structure. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), osteoarthritis is understood through three patterns of disharmony: Yang deficiency with cold stagnation, kidney essence deficiency, and blood stasis and collateral stagnation. These patterns may manifest in symptoms like body pain, aching joints, or cold extremities. Scientific studies have corroborated the association of OA with inflammation and cartilage degradation, emphasizing its complexity and multifactorial nature (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage). Therefore, an integrative approach that considers both Western and TCM perspectives may offer a more comprehensive understanding and management of the condition.