Which condition is the most common musculoskeletal problem after age 50?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Tendinopathy

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that aging makes degenerative changes in joints the most common musculoskeletal problem in people over 50. Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear type arthritis where cartilage in the joints gradually breaks down, the surfaces become rough, and bone changes such as osteophyte formation occur. This leads to pain with use, morning or activity-related stiffness, reduced range of motion, and functional limitation, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, as well as in the hands. Because OA affects so many joints and its prevalence increases steadily with age, it becomes the most common chronic joint-related issue in this age group.

Osteoporosis, while extremely common and a major cause of fractures, is a bone-density problem rather than a primary joint disease, and it may be asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. Gout is an episodic inflammatory arthritis driven by urate crystals and is less common in the general population, especially as a chronic, age-related problem. Tendinopathy involves tendon overuse injuries and tends to be more focal to a tendon rather than representing the widespread joint degeneration seen in OA. Thus, the widespread, age-related degenerative joint changes of osteoarthritis make it the most prevalent musculoskeletal problem after age 50.