Degenerative Arthritis Facts

One type of arthritis is degenerative arthritis. There are other types but this one sounds particularly scary. You should take the time to learn more about it. After all, it is one of the most common types or arthritis.

What It Is

Arthritis of this type is also called osteoarthritis. The progress of the disease has something to do with what happens to the cartilage. Our joints have cartilage in between. This is a crucial location for cartilage because it actually pads the joint. It therefore ensures that the joints do not sustain any damage due to movement. The cartilage is also what keeps us free from pain.

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.

What to Watch Out For

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.

Causes and Risk Factors

It is hard to explain why some people develop osteoarthritis. This is simply because the causes of the disease have not yet been fully established. It is possible that the condition is a natural consequence of growing old with genetically predisposed people being more at risk. It is also possible though that certain life factors may promote the development of the disease. Putting on too much weight and extreme movements may stress your joints too much or injure them. This can lead to a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Treatment

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.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a couple of basic home remedies. This may include using hot or cold compresses and resting your joints. Exercise is also a typical part of mild arthritis treatment. The exercises however aren't typical ones. They have been carefully created to help regain joint movement while preventing joints and patients from getting harmed.

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.