Question 1

in agony with degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is possible to have severe pain with DJD however you should have your primary care doc take a look immediately to make sure nothing else is going on. If it is in fact djd, various things can be done, such as treatment with medications, modalities and activity modification.

Question 2

how can you reverse degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Can slow progression: Asking how to reverse degenerative arthritis is like asking how to build up your car's worn brake pads. The only 'reversal' is the extreme of joint  replacement.  Short of that, your best bet is to slow the progression. Avoid excessive heavy 'mileage', lose weight to decrease joint load, and strengthen surrounding muscles and joint support structures.

Question 3

what some of the causes degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Many possible causes: Obesity is a factor in oa. In the spine smoking is a factor. There are structural factors - if you have bowed legs or knocked knees you have a higher risk of oa. Prior injury, especially if it involves a joint, is a factor. A malunion of a fracture could lead to oa. Overuse and microtrauma may be a factor. Inflammatory disease can lead to degenerative joint disease. And, of course, there are gene.

Question 4

what does having a degenerative arthritis mean?

Accepted Answer

Wear and tear: Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. It is the most common form or arthritis. Arthritis means arth - joint - and itis - inflammation. Degenerarive arthritis is wear and tear of the cartilage in a joint over time. This can lead to pain and decreased mobility within a joint.

Question 5

what are risk factors for degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

A few: All people will develop degenerative arthritis but not all will suffer.  Obesity, smoking, age, alcohol use, prior joint trauma, and intensity of work (labor intensive jobs) just to name a few can  accelerate the natural degenerative process.

Question 6

what does it mean to have degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative arthrit: This refers to a disease process that alters the anatomy of the bones especially in the areas of joints and vertebra.  The area is altered by a degeneration process and usually causes pain in the affected areas.  This is a different process than the inflammatory arthric diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 7

how does degenerative arthritis affect your body?

Accepted Answer

Rigidity, pain: Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis affects any joint in the body including the back, neck, shoulders, knees, ankles, hips, fingers. It causes chronic pain, and decrease in function of the affected areas usually symmetrical. When the cartilage between the two bones disappears then only replacement of the joint could relieve it. The last resort before surgery is to inject lubricants (hyalgan).

Question 8

what are some symptoms of degenerative arthritis ?

Accepted Answer

Pain: The classic syptoms are pain, redness, swelling and heat.   The pain is often the worst when sedentary and better with activity.

Question 9

what are some ways to treat degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Many...: Degenerative arthritis implies cartilage loss, which can be primary or secondary.  Bracing, exercise (sporting activities can be good or bad, depending on type), bracing, splinting, weight loss, especially if back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Joint gels ( voltaren (diclofenac) gels) and anitinflammatory pain relievers like naproxen, and it's brethren can  make a big difference.

Question 10

is there any way to get relief from degenerative arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many options: Yes. Gentle exercise, stretching, weight loss, avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms, creams, etc. Can help. Even your diet choices may affect your pain. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatories can help. Supplements (glucosamine & chondroitin) have been shown to help. In certain instances, steriod injections can provide drastic relief. Finally, there are surgical options if all else fails.

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