Slowing Down The Onset Of Degenerative Arthritis

Globally, millions of individuals suffer from a common type of arthritis known as degenerative arthritis. In fact, next to rheumatoid arthritis, this is the next most common form of arthritis that never fails to make people suffer from pain on a daily basis. Normally, degenerative arthritis happens because the cartilage around the joints have been reduced due to aging. As a consequence, people who are overweight feel degenerative arthritis in areas like knees or hips since they carry the extra load. Daily activities such as walking and climbing stairs gives our joints a beating that we often ignore until the time pain is felt.



Men are often more affected by degenerative arthritis once they reach their mid-40s. The national health department of US reports that at least 20 million americans are affected by degenerative arthritis. When cartilage amount is lessened, new small bones form that can add to the pain. The swelling causes pain and as a response the cartilage produces new bone growth. Loss of cartilage makes the bone rub against one another which results to pain.



The term given by doctors to an arthritis that has no known source like previous trauma is primary osteoarthritis. Being overweight is still the leading factor causing degenerative arthritis. When obesity becomes the main culprit, it is now referred to as secondary osteoarthritis.



Degenerative arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis (OA) since the situation worsens as cartilage becomes worn out. Truth is, degenerative arthritis cannot be stopped but pain can be remedied by medicines. Usually, doctors advice people with OA to lose weight and continue moderate physical exercise. In addition to this, weight resistance exercises and physical stimulation can strengthen weak areas and hinder the progress of OA. In conclusion, degenerative arthritis cannot be stopped but its progress can be delayed by taking some precautions advised by the doctor.