What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis? Oh, My Aching Bones

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis Oh, My Aching Bones

When you first discovered you or someone you know had arthritis, did you think arthritis was arthritis like I did? I was amazed to find out there are over 200 types of arthritis. Among those, 200 is one that you have probably heard of – osteoarthritis arthritis. What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones explores the disease, its symptoms, causes, how it is diagnosed, and treatments.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis – My Aching Bones is for information purposes only and should not be used as an alternative to medical advice or seeing your doctor.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones - Osteoarthritis Written on a Clipboard

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as OA, a degenerative joint disease, which is an arthritic condition that occurs when the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.

This wearing down of the cartilage is caused by repetitive use of the joints.

Because it is the wearing of cartilage over time, merely aging can be a factor in why you develop osteoarthritis. Because of this, osteoarthritis is also commonly known as the “wear and tear” disease.

And though Osteoarthritis is more common in people over 50, it can still be seen in people in their 20s and 30s, especially from a joint injury and overuse – as seen in many sports.

The most common joints of osteoarthritis affected are the hands, knees, hips, neck, and spine though it can occur at any joint. If the cartilage wears down completely, bone to bone contact will occur.

Symptoms of Degenerative Osteoarthritis

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As osteoarthritis progresses, symptoms become noticeable:

  • Tender to the touch
  • Pain – you may notice more pain during or after the movement of the joint.
  • Inflammation – may be caused by the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
  • Stiffness – More noticeable after inactivity or rest.
  • Loss of flexibility – the range of motion of the joint may become limited.
  • You might experience what has been described as clicking, crackling, or popping of the joint. The technical term for this is crepitus.

Diagnosis Of Degenerative Osteoarthritis

You’ve had some vague symptoms for some time, or maybe those vague symptoms have turned into excruciating pain. You need to go to the doctor and have your symptoms and medical history looked and to get an accurate diagnosis.

To start with, your doctor will probably request a verbal checklist of symptoms. He will then go on and give the joint or joints a visual exam accessing such things as tenderness, inflammation, range of motion, and any redness.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Xray of Degenerative Osteoarthritis

Some patients may have imaging tests such as X-rays and or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

As cartilage isn’t shown in X-rays, the test can be used to allow a look at the space between joints — narrowing of the space, which is indicative of osteoarthritis.

An MRI does show cartilage, but as of now it usually isn’t done in the run-of-the-mill diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

Blood tests can be used to rule out other diseases that may mimic osteoarthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What Increases the Chance of Experiencing Degenerative Osteoarthritis?

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Risk Factors
  • Women are more at risk than men
  • Age – the risk increases with age
  • Weight – being overweight or obese adds stress to the joints.
  • Prior Injuries
  • Genetics – if others in your family have osteoarthritis, you may have a predisposed tendency to acquire osteoarthritis in your lifetime.
  • Repetitive movement, currently or even from the past, can increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Treatment

As Osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, treatment focuses on managing your symptoms. Managing your symptoms can come in many forms, such as Medication, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Surgery, Lifestyle, and Support.

Medication

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - A Variety of Syringes and Drugs on a Medical Tray

NSAIDs:

  • Anti inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation as well as ease pain. Ibuprofen is an example of an NSAID- some familiar names are Motrin and Advil. Naproxen is another NSAID – a common one is Aleve. Use at a recommended dosage.
  • There are other NSAIDs that you need a prescription for that your doctor might suggest.

Non NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs)

  • Acetaminophen such as Tylenol can be taken to relieve pain that is mild to moderate.

Corticosteroids

  • Given by injection to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can be beneficial for reducing inflammation but can also have some severe side effects, so be sure to talk this option over with your doctor before consenting.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

  • Often used as an antidepressant and has also been used to treat pain resulting from Osteoarthritis.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy can be helpful in your treatment of osteoarthritis.

A physical therapist can use techniques that may increase the range of motion in stiff joints.  Osteoarthritis often is painful when there is friction between joint bones. Physical therapy can improve strength and stability in muscles and joints, which will lessen that pain.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Selection of Balanced Diet Foods

Nutrition

A healthful diet is often suggested. A healthful diet includes fruits, vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and nuts.

Inflammation is part of osteoarthritis, and eating a diet that consists of foods that cause inflammation should be decreased. These foods include sugar, alcohol, salt, saturated fats, white flour, and in some people, dairy.

Foods That Support Bone Health – A Comprehensive Guide

Surgery

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Knee-Arthroscopy

After all the above treatments haven’t worked (plus others your doctor may suggest), the question of whether or not to have surgery may arise. There are a few surgeries that your doctor might consider. Two such operations are arthroscopy and arthroplasty.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is performed when a small tube about the size of a pin is inserted into the joint, and with a camera attached, the doctor can see inside the joint. Making other small incisions will allow the doctor to smooth out the rough edges, and remove damaged cartilage or bone fragments from inside. Arthroscopy has limited uses and success rates.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Osteoarthritis-Knee Comparison - Left Arthroplasty -Total Knee Replacement and Untouched Right Knee

Arthroplasty – Total Joint Replacement

With Arthroplasty, the complete joint is taken out and replaced with a metal or plastic artificial joint. Pain is significantly reduced with this procedure, but it may need to be redone every 20 years or so because the artificial joint may wear out.

Healthy Lifestyle

Some lifestyle changes can be made that can be helpful.

Exercise Program: low impact such as walking, biking, or swimming are options that increase endurance and muscle strength.

A few articles you might find helpful are:

How To Exercise With Lower Back Pain

Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors

What Are The Best Low Impact Exercises For Seniors?

Weight Loss: if overweight or obese, even a small amount of weight loss can be beneficial in treating osteoarthritis.

What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones  - Men and Women in a Support Group Circle

Support

Having a support system is important when dealing with the aspects of arthritis.  Whether this is family or friends, joining a support group that focuses on arthritis can be beneficial as well.

Support groups enable you to meet with others that are dealing with the same issues you are.  You can talk openly and honestly about your feelings as well as offer your support to others. To find a support group, you can go to www.arthritis.org and look for a local group.  They also have an online community that many find helpful.

Degenerative Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Now that you know what Osteoarthritis is – how does that differ from Rheumatoid arthritis? An article I wrote entitled “About Arthritis and Rheumatism” goes into depth about Rheumatism.

Though there are some similarities that both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis share, they are caused by very different processes in the body.

  • Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage by wear and tear, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the immune system attacks its own tissue.
  • Both are progressive diseases in that they tend to worsen over time.
  • Osteoarthritis can affect joints individually – rheumatoid arthritis is often seen symmetrically on both sides of the body- for example, both hands, both knees, etc.
  • Neither can be cured but can be managed with medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and surgery.

Comparison Table – Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Below is a table that shows some of the differences and similarities between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

FeaturesOsteoarthritisRheumatoid Arthritis
DescriptionDegenerative Joint Disease – Occurs When the Cartilage That Protects and Cushions the Ends of the Bones Wears Down Over TimeBody’s Immune System Attacks Its Own Tissue, Including That of the Joints
CausesOveruse and Wear and TearEnvironment and Genetic
ProgressiveYesYes
SymmetricNoUsually
FatigueNoYes
FeverNoYes
Loss of AppetiteNoYes
TenderYesYes
StiffnessYesYes
Pain YesYes
InflammationYesYes

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Conclusion

To take a look at a study that looks into bone health and the possibility of it being enhanced by consuming tequila see Amazing Health Benefits of Tequila – Too Good to Be True? or Benefits of Tequila Before Bed.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis come under the same wide umbrella of the general term “arthritis.”  Whether you have or suspect you have osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis, there is medical treatment available.  Please don’t use this article as medical advice – it is intended for informational purposes only.  It’s important that you consult a medical professional for a correct diagnosis.  Once you have a correct diagnosis, you can, with your doctor, develop a treatment plan.

Thank you for stopping by and reading What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis- My Aching Bones.

If you have any type of arthritis and/or treatment experience, I would love to hear about your experience. Please comment below.

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