Basic Facts on Degenerative Arthritis

By: Kaye Fretz

Studies reveal that degenerative arthritis is the most common arthritis type. For a lot of people, it is a condition that can truly change their lives. If you have reason to believe that you should prepare for it, then the first step would be to learn about it.

Cartilage and Osteoarthritis

This condition is actually also popularly known as osteoarthritis. The disease is related to the condition of one's cartilage. The cartilage is a soft section that is located in between the ball and socket of a joint. A joint's cartilage is important because it guards the bones from pressure during movement. It is the cartilage that ensures you do not feel pain when you move your joints.

A number of circumstances cause the cartilage to deplete and even go away. Without the cartilage, joint bones come into direct contact. This results in harm to the bones and soreness during both movement and inactivity. The joints are affected one at a time. Not all joints are also affected by the condition. The joints that typically suffer from it are those on which weight and pressure are often put. These are the joints in the hips, knees and spine. The fingers are an exemption. They may all suffer as a group.

Indications of the Condition

Degenerative arthritis is called such because of its nature. The name of the disease simply stresses the fact that the condition results in worsening symptoms. The longer you have it, the worse your symptoms are. Patients however usually have time to prepare and consider treatment options because the symptoms don't appear overnight. You should immediately see a doctor as soon as your first symptoms show. Symptoms to watch out for include swelling, pain, tenderness, bone grating, loss of flexibility and stiffness.

Possible Causes

Researchers are still trying to find out the actual causes of osteoarthritis. There are however, some factors that could contribute to a person's chances of developing the condition. The disease may run in your family. Aging is also a possible risk factor for the disease. Aside from these uncontrollable factors, there are also controllable ones. It is generally believed that your weight and you use of your joints contribute to the progress of the disease. Overweight people, those who frequently stress their joints and those who suffer from joint injuries may develop osteoarthritis.

Treating the Condition

Once you develop osteoarthritis, you would have to live with it for the rest of your life. There is simply no way to cure it. Patients however should still seek treatment. Medical attention can help limit the impact and incidence of symptoms. Not every patient will be treated in the same way. Doctors will initially recommend mild and non invasive treatment. Some however may already need to be operated on. They would also have to take strong medications.

Your arthritis specialist may also recommend a number of home treatment methods. One of these is a special exercise regimen. The exercises you will be asked to perform will help you improve joint flexibility without hurting your bones. Aside from exercises, you may also have to apply compresses and use pain killers.

The thought of degenerative arthritis may get you down. It is something though that you can deal with. As long as you follow your doctor's orders, there is no need to despair.