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
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
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.
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?
- 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
| Features | Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Description | Degenerative Joint Disease – Occurs When the Cartilage That Protects and Cushions the Ends of the Bones Wears Down Over Time | Body’s Immune System Attacks Its Own Tissue, Including That of the Joints |
| Causes | Overuse and Wear and Tear | Environment and Genetic |
| Progressive | Yes | Yes |
| Symmetric | No | Usually |
| Fatigue | No | Yes |
| Fever | No | Yes |
| Loss of Appetite | No | Yes |
| Tender | Yes | Yes |
| Stiffness | Yes | Yes |
| Pain | Yes | Yes |
| Inflammation | Yes | Yes |
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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.
