The other name of the Degenerative Joint Disease called Osteoarthritis (OA) or “wear and tear”. It is caused by inflammation of the joints and loss of the cartilage. There are over 100 types of arthritis conditions. Osteoarthritis is the most common and affects the feet, hands, spine, and large weight-bearing joints. More than half of all persons over age 65 have evidence of idiopathic OA. Progressive joint deterioration occurs because of the age related of changes to collagen and proteoglycans. Joint cartilage has decreased tensile strength and reduced nutrient supply. DJD is related to one or two joints trauma, particularly the knees. The cervical spine, the major weight-bearing joints, and distal …show more content…
When the pressure is relieved, the fluid diffuses back together with the oxygen and nutrients. The health of the cartilage depends on the joint movement.
Years of use of joint activity, the cartilage may wear and tear, injuring and tearing the cartilage. When this occurs, the bone on one side of the joint tends to glide or rub against to the bone on opposite side of the joint, providing a less elastic the joint surface, and higher contact pressures at the end of the bone. The contacting bone surfaces become hardened and the process causes the bone to look polished on x-ray produces a whitened appearance on the films .
Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and joint pain that can last for more than a few weeks. Degenerative joint disease symptoms are caused by a gradual deterioration of cartilage in joint articular surfaces. Healthy joint articular surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage. When the joints lose this covering through degeneration, the boney surfaces become unprotected. The joint’s surfaces become rough, stiff and inflamed. The degenerative joint diseases are several risk factors that have been identified:
Age – over the age of 45 are more likely to develop …show more content…
Treatments and recommendation depend on how the pain is, the age, and other previous or existing medical problems, and the activity level.
No treatment yet exists to restore joint articular cartilage. Most osteoarthritis can be threat with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain medication, stretching, moderate exercise, hot and cold compresses, and intermittent rest. Patient may be advised to seek open back or open neck surgery that can help relief the back and neck pains.
With weight loss on every pound you lose can result in pain relief. Lifestyle change such as short walks, short runs, bicycle riding, and swimming can also help relief the pain. Braces or sleeves can also help with the relief of pain. Braces can give extra support on the knees. Supplements and Vitamins like Vitamin D, Fish Oils, astaxanthin, Glucosamine /chondroitin sulphate injection are other relief or “treatment” that one can take to help with the disorder.
Physical therapy is also another way to help and manage the disorder, and can help the joints be used properly. Surgery can be recommended if all else fails, and is usually the last