Degenerative bone disease (DBD), commonly known as osteoarthritis, is the most prevalent form of arthritis. The condition occurs when cartilage covering a joint wears down, causing adjacent bones to scrape against one another. While there is no cure for the resulting pain and discomfort, there are several treatments and lifestyle modifications that can counter DBD.
Causes
Touch your ears. The cartilage that you feel is integral to bone and joint health throughout your body. When the cartilage wears down and frays, the loss of elasticity between the bones leads to a rough grinding between bones. While there is no singular cause of osteoarthritis, heredity, weight, age and muscle health influence the development and existence of the condition.
Who Develops Osteoarthrits?
Degenerative bone disease develops because of a multitude of factors. Most people with DBD are female and are over the age of 40 years of age. Heredity plays a factor, making those with a family history of osteoarthritis susceptible to developing the disease. Individuals born with malformed joints and people who have sustained joint injuries are vulnerable to DBD. People who are overweight and place chronic stress on their joints are also susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
People with DBD experience tenderness and pain surrounding afflicted joints. Stiffness in the morning and after exercise is common with osteoarthritis. Inflexibility and muscle tightness are common complaints of DBD. Individuals might experience a grating feeling and or sound when their joints are in motion. Bone spurs are common among patients with osteoarthritis.
Tests
If any of the aforementioned symptoms last for more than two weeks or if the pain is interfering with your activities of daily living, contact a doctor. She might use an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging to assess the health of your cartilage. Joint fluid analysis will examine inflammation and a blood test can help rule out other conditions.
Medication
There are a variety of medications that can ease the pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Motrin, can be used to treat pain and inflammation while stronger versions are available by prescription. Acetaminophen (Tyenol) treats pain only while codeine and propoxyphene can be prescribed for severe pain. Cortisone injections help relieve severe pain.
Treatment
Occupational therapy helps people perform daily tasks in ways that do not cause pain or harm. Regular exercise and stretching help build muscular endurance and strength, both key ingredients in pain management and prevention. If joint pain persists for two hours after exercise, you probably pushed too hard and should decrease the duration and intensity of future activity. During a flareup (inflammation), follow RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Weight management and healthful eating can help alleviate the symptoms of DBD. Some people report success with the following treatments: yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, ginger and glucosamine supplements.
References
- Osteoarthritis
- "The Arthritis Helpbook;" James F. Fries; 2006
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual;" American Council on Exercise; 2003
