Degenerative Arthritis
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When there is a breakdown of the cartilage in one or even more joints the condition is popularly called Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis which is a type of arthritis. Cartilage acts like a cushion between bone and also prevents them from rubbing against each other. It is an opaque connective tissue in the body.
More than 20 million people from the US are affected by degenerative arthritis according to some statistics. It is believed that the number of people who are suffering from this will become double and maybe more in the next year as the younger people of today become old.
Aging is the main reason for getting degenerative arthritis. As a matter of fact women above the age of 55 and men more than 45 years of age are susceptible to this kind of arthritis. Race does not have any impact on this condition but more women seem to suffer from degenerative arthritis especially in America.
Spine, hands, feet, and big joints which bear weight are generally affected by degenerative arthritis and the problem also troubles the knees and the hips.
Primary and secondary are the two kinds of degenerative arthritis. When a person suffers from degenerative arthritis owing to age and deterioration of cartilage then it is termed as primary. There is pain swelling as well as inflammation in the joint due to the complete breakdown of the cartilage leading to chafing between the bones.
When the arthritis is a result of some other medical condition it is known as secondary degenerative arthritis. It is seen in individuals who are suffering from problems like diabetes, hormone unbalance and gout. Some other problems like congenital abnormalities, obesity and repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures can also be cause of degenerative arthritis.
It is only the joints and no other part of the body is affected by degenerative arthritis. When there is pain in the joint with redness and inflammation, there are chances that you are suffering from degenerative arthritis.
Degenerative arthritis has different types of symptoms. There are some people who do not suffer too much while others are just not able to move due to the symptoms of degenerative arthritis. One can’t be sure when the symptoms will show up.
At this time, there is no specific treatment for degenerative arthritis. Some people find relief from various modalities including rest, exercise, weight reduction, physical and occupational therapy, and certain medications. Medication may be used topically, taken orally, or injected into the joints to decrease joint inflammation and pain.
