Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease
Osteoarthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease for the spine) is clinically characterized as degenerative and sometimes hypertrophic (which is an enlargement or overgrowth of an internal body part or organ) change in the cartilage (or bone) of one or more joints. In other words, it is the progressive wear and tear of the cartilage, which narrows and distorts the joint space.
This can affect anywhere from the cartilage in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, hand/wrist, hip and knees. This is an exceptionally common condition as it affects millions of people around the world. Women are more susceptible to suffering from this condition in comparison to men.
Causes
Degenerative Joint Disease is primarily caused by the natural aging process. The risk of suffering this condition increases with age, as the cartilage between the bones wears away. Because the cushioning deteriorates, the bones begin grating against each other, eventually causing pain in the affected area(s).
Other reasons that may increase the risk of degenerative joint disease include obesity, diabetes, smoking and inherited bone abnormalities/deformities. Careers that entail labor work with duties that exert and stresses joints or the spine may also be a contributing risk factor to osteoarthritis, including Traumatic injuries that affect the joints/spine.
Symptoms
Every joint in your body can be affected by degenerative joint disease. As a result of osteoarthritis, you may initially experience stiffness and soreness around the joints of the hands, knees, ankles and feet. As it progresses, joints can become inflamed causing loss of motion. Sometimes, deformity occurs as the grinding and wearing away continue in a less than uniform fashion.
Other symptoms of degenerative joint disease include:
- Pain (Sharp or Chronic) with movement or at rest
- Tenderness and tingling
- Swelling or warmth of a joint
Although everyone who ages will develop some form of degeneration of the joints, there are times when it is not necessarily symptomatic or painful.
Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on the severity. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but many physicians, especially the ones at Healthpointe, can assist patients by recommending treatment to reduce pain and maintain joint movement. Such treatment includes pain medications, injections (like Supartz Joint Fluid Injections), physical therapy, and braces. In some severe cases, surgery, such as joint replacement or fusion, may be recommended. Other treatment options include the administration of cartilage sparing drugs, biologic remedies and cartilage growing drugs.
Healthpointe has top-of-the-line physicians and surgeons who are trained to provide treatment for back pain and its associated symptoms.
Osteoarthritis Treatment in Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County:
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Anaheim
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Colton
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Corona
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Garden Grove
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Irwindale
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near La Mirada
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Long Beach
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Los Angeles
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Ontario
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Perris
- Osteoarthritis Relief in and near Temecula
Contact Healthpointe Today!
HEALTHPOINTE offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all your orthopedic and related needs. To talk to one of our doctors, please schedule an appointment today!