Some Information About Degenerative Osteoarthritis
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, out of which degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common. The feet, spine, hands and other weight-bearing parts of the body like the hips and knees are primarily affected by this disease. This condition is mainly caused by the wear and tear of cartilage which is a type of protein cushioning the joints.
When the reasons behind the degenerative osteoarthritis are clear, then it is termed as primary arthritis. Erosive osteoarthritis develops with age and this is an example of primary arthritis. Secondary arthritis is the term used for degenerative arthritis when the causes are largely unknown and it is also called traumatic osteoarthritis. A few causes which may contribute to this disease are diabetes, gout, trauma, obesity and constant surgeries.
Degenerative osteoarthritis affects only the joints and the other parts of the body remain unaffected. Constant pain is experienced in the joints especially in the latter half of the day. The degeneration of bones causes severe pain in some while others do not suffer all that much.
There are various methods used to diagnose degenerative osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy and arthocentosis are two such methods used. For arthroscopy, a viewing tube is inserted into the space between the joint. Arthocentosis means analyzing the fluid which has been taken out from the joint. However, the most routine and popular method remains the X-ray. To rule out any causes which may have been caused by some other disease, an X-ray is followed by blood-tests. A surgery is recommended only after going through the X-rays. The patient's age, medical condition, activities and X-ray reports are crucial to osteoarthritis treatment. Mild degenerative osteoarthritis can be cured by regular walking. Physical exercise done regularly will help strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the joints. Surgery may be required only in cases of advanced osteoarthritis. This normally means joint replacement and has to be undertaken only as a last resort. Osteoarthritis can be prevented by opting for a healthier lifestyle. This involves regular exercise and good eating habits to maintain proper body weight and the flexibility of the joints. People with degenerative osteoarthritis should avoid excess exertion and should be careful about keeping their weight down. This condition requires a consistently disciplined lifestyle and not being particular can result in a very painful condition.
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