Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis is a kind of arthritis that results because of a breakdown, as well as eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. This is the most common type of the more than 100 different types of arthritis conditions, and is believed to affect more than 20 million Americans and occurs with advancing age.

Degenerative arthritis occurs most often in males that are under the age of 45, and is more prevalent among females that are older than 55 years of age. There does not seem to be any racial bias when it comes to Americans though there are higher incidences among Japanese while East Indians, Southern African blacks as well as Southern Chinese have lower rates.

Feet, Hands, Hips, Knees and Spine can be Affected

Degenerative arthritis has been known to affect the spine, hands and feet as well as large weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees though there does not seem to be any known cause.

When the cause is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Age is certainly a contributory factor to causing degenerative arthritis since the water content of the cartilage increases while the protein makeup degenerates. In advanced cases, there can be a complete loss of cartilage cushion between joints and bone which will cause friction between the bones causing extreme pain as well as limiting joint mobility.

There is always weight reduction as well as avoidance of activities requiring excessive stress that will help to halt cartilage degeneration. There is no specific treatment that can stop the degeneration of the cartilage or repair the damaged cartilage. Though the goal of treating degenerative arthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation. At the same time continue to maintain joint function.

Resting sore joints will lessen stress on the joints and provide relief from swelling as well as pain. The patients may be recommended to limit the intensity as well as frequency of all activities that result in joint pain consistently. Also, degenerative arthritis is not known to be aggravated by exercise, especially if performed at levels that do not result in joint pain.

Such a condition may also need the services of a physical therapist that can provide support devices like splints, walkers, canes as well as braces. These are all helpful in reducing stress on the joints. Surgery may only be necessary when patients with degenerative arthritis has a severe condition and are unresponsive to conservative treatments.

The future will surely bring with it medications to protect the cartilage from the deteriorating consequence of degenerative arthritis. There are also new treatments such as anti-inflammatory lotions being studied to provide relief of the pain from such a condition.

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