Understanding Degenerative Osteoarthritis
Degenerative Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by the loss of cartilage, a type of protein cushioning the joints. It is the most common arthritis condition out of more than 100 types of arthritis. It mostly affects the feet, hands, spine and other parts that bearing the load of the body, such as the hips and the knees.
When the cause for the condition is known, it is called primary arthritis. At other times, however, the cause remains largely unknown. In such cases, the problem is termed as secondary arthritis. Erosive osteoarthritis is an example of primary arthritis, while traumatic osteoarthritis represents secondary arthritis.
The causes for osteoarthritis differ according to the type. The main cause of primary osteoarthritis is believed to be age. The main cause of secondary osteoarthritis, on the other hand, could be another disease or condition. Most of the times, secondary osteoarthritis is caused by diabetes, obesity, gout, trauma or repeated surgery.
No part of the body is affected by degenerative osteoarthritis apart from the joints. Its main symptoms are constant pain experienced in the joints, especially when the day is past its first half. Some patients suffer from extreme pain due to the degeneration of bones. Others don't experience as much pain during the degeneration process. Degenerative osteoarthritis is mainly diagnosed through X-ray, which is followed by a blood test to check if it is caused due to another disease. Usually, surgery is done only after considering the x-ray reports. Other ways to diagnose a degenerative osteoarthritis are arthroscopy and arthocentesosis. Arthroscopy is done by inserting a viewing tube into the space between the joint. Arthocentosis is done by analyzing the fluid extracted from the joints. The treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis is usually decided based on variable factors such as, the age of the patient, his/her activities, his/her medical condition and the result of his/her x-ray report. Advance degenerative osteoarthritis may need a surgery to be cured. Surgery often involves joint replacement. Patients suffering from mild degenerative osteoarthritis can do some walking to benefit themselves. The muscles and ligaments surrounding the joints can be strengthened by a regular physical exercise. Some of the physicians hold the belief that maintaining healthy habits may prevent osteoarthritis. One should remain active, maintain a proper body weight and regularly exercise the muscles and joints to avoid degenerative osteoarthritis. If one has been diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis then he/she should avoid activities involving exertion, and should reduce their weight to slow down the process. One should never be careless about degenerative osteoarthritis because it can be very painful, and can trouble you no end if not taken seriously.
Degenerative Spine
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