Diseases

Degenerative Joint Disease

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Also known as osteoarthritis, this type of arthritis is caused by inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting usually the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Also called degenerative arthritis.

SYMPTOMS

Degenerative joint disease typically isn’t diagnosed until painful symptoms cause a patient to seek a medical examination, although the condition can develop for many years prior. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

pain and stiffness around the affected area, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity
localized swelling, redness and tenderness
limited mobility, including particular trouble with using eating utensils, getting in and out of chairs, dressing or putting on shoes
bone spurs
a grating sensation when trying to move a joint

CAUSES

The primary cause for degenerative joint disease is age and general wear and tear incurred due to the body’s natural aging process. However, certain factors can incite or exacerbate this condition, such as:
frequently lifting heavy objects or making strenuous movements, often due to manual labor and jobs requiring a lot of physical activity

congenital joint malformation
genetic predisposition and gender, as women are more likely to encounter osteoarthritis than men
joint injuries or unexpected traumas, such as those that may occur in a car accident or high-impact sport. Even if the wound has healed, it can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis years later.
obesity or carrying extra weight
lack of exercise and regular activity
smoking
malnutrition