WHAT IS MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE?
More than 30% of Australians - adult and child, male and female - will be affected by arthritis or some form of musculoskeletal condition during their lives. Musculoskeletal disease is the greatest cause of disability in Australia.
The two most common forms of musculoskeletal disease are:
ARTHRITIS
Frequently includes inflammation and pain in a joint or joints and its most common form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective pad of cartilage covering the end of the bone inside a joint deteriorates.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Affects both men and women. It is a condition where the bones become fragile and brittle. It can be minimised with an adequate calcium intake and weight bearing exercise through life.