Degenerative arthritis is commonly referred to as osteoarthritis (OA).
Disability in OA is primarily due to the pain in weight-bearing joints.
The symptoms of degenerative arthritis will vary depending on what joints are affected.
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Symptoms of the condition will worsen over time.
The only instance in which OA symptoms appear suddenly and become worse quickly is when a joint is injured.
That bang out of OA is sometimes calledpost-traumatic arthritis.
Degenerative arthritis causes symptoms in affected joints.
Degenerative arthritis affects people differently.
Some people experience mild symptoms that do not affect their day-day-activities.
Others might have significant pain and disability.
For most people, joint damage from OA slowly occurs over many years.
For some, it may occur rapidly.
Osteoarthritis is often progressive, which means symptoms will get worse with time.
Weak muscles cannot support joints very well and affected joints will eventually become deformed.
In addition to damage,bone spursstart to grow on the edges of the deformed joint.
Degenerative arthritis differs from other types of arthritis because of what causes it.
Inflammatory arthritisconditions can occur at any age and affect children, teens, and young adults.
You will be asked questions about specific symptoms you are experiencing.
Questions your healthcare provider might ask include:
You should be prepared in advance of your appointment.
But some types of blood tests can rule out other causes of your pain, such as inflammatory arthritis.
The fluid is then tested for signs of inflammation or infection.
Treating Degenerative Arthritis
Damage from degenerative arthritis cannot be reversed.
But treatments can reduce pain and help you to move better.
Medicines
There are many different medicinal options to help manage symptoms and pain from degenerative arthritis.
Treatments include pills, topicals, and injections.
Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress on your joints.
Just be careful not to overuse joints and make OA symptoms worse.
Different surgical options are available.
Your healthcare provider will recommend one based on the affected joint and how much pain you are experiencing.
Coping With Degenerative Arthritis
Lifestyle changes will not cure degenerative arthritis.
But these changes will ease your pain, improve your mobility, and slow down future damage.
Manage Weight
Being overweight can stress your joints.
Eating a healthy diet and being active regularly can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Anutritionistor dietitian can help you to meet weight loss goals.
Reduce Stress
Stress can make arthritis pain worse.
Since you cannot make OA go away, you will need to focus on self-care.
Over time and as people age, the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down.
OA can be managed, but joint damage can’t be reversed.
Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help to prevent the disease or reduce its progression.
There are many treatment options for OA pain and other symptoms.
Surgery is generally the last option considered for managing pain and repairing damage to a joint.
It can help reduce pain and improve mobility and quality of life.
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