Impact of Osteoarthritis on Balance, Perceived Fear of fall and Quality Of Life

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest form of degenerative inflammatory joint disease, characterized by articular cartilage degradation [1]. Hereditary, developmental, metabolic, or mechanical causes may initiate the degenerative process; bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. It may results in joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and restricted or loss of mobility. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may get atrophied, and ligaments may become more lax [2]. Individuals with OA suffer progressive loss of function, displaying increasing dependency in walking, stair climbing and other lower extremity tasks. With advancing age osteoarthritis (OA) of the hips and the knees is a major disabling disorder due to its restricting effect on mobility. As the population ages worldwide, OA has become a serious health threat and economical burden to many countries. It is estimated that almost 18% of women and 10% of men 60 years of age and older have symptomatic OA. [2-4].