Degenerative Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis refers to osteoarthritis which is the most common type of arthritis happening as people age and osteoarthritis increases in frequency. It could manifest years after an injury. Osteoarthritis is also called the wear-and-tear arthritis is the most common type of arthritis wherein there is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones of the joints and when there is a loss of cartilage, it becomes very painful to the patient.

Degenerative arthritis is caused primarily by aging of a person. Besides aging, other causes include injury to joints, repetitive use of joints, being overweight, stressing the joints and family history. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the joint which is affected after the joint’s repeated use. The joints become swollen, warm and stiff after prolonged inactivity. Other symptoms are bone spurs and bony enlargements or nodes. This disease can be diagnosed thru x-rays and blood tests. Also a procedure called arthrocentesis or joint fluid removal and joint fluid analysis can be used to detect osteoarthritis. A surgical technique called arthroscopy can allow doctors to see the joint space and abnormalities.

Degenerative arthritis can be treated with physical treatments such as weight reduction and exercise, thru medication with the use of topical, oral or injectable medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, thru alternative treatments or dietary supplements which include massage therapy, acupuncture, etc. Sometimes surgical treatment is necessary which means having an arthroscopy or joint replacement.

Also, some findings revealed that glucosamine, vitamin D and vitamin C may help prevent its progression. Some also recommend acupuncture which is an effective means of relieving pain. Shiatsu or acupressure using the finger can be used for massage to relieve pain. The acupuncture for arthritis will depend on the type of arthritis and the areas where the symptoms are felt Acupuncture should not be performed by just anybody but by an experienced and qualified practitioner. The patient should not try to do this procedure himself.

Degenerative arthritis can be prevented or its symptoms reduced thru maintaining a healthy weight which means following a healthy lifestyle.