This short report presents a view of osteoarthritis (OA) as cumulative microtrauma mediated by physical activity. The view, grounded in principles of hand pathomechanics, places physical activity at the centre of the process through which problems in the joint (originating from many possible sources) result in a cascade of symptoms and hand impairments. The view points towards opportunities to expand treatment options and improve treatment outcomes for patients with hand OA.
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