Degenerative Arthritis – Part 1

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, or specifically the cartilage that cushions two bones within the joints. The cartilage breaks down and provides less cushion, resulting in pain, swelling and deformity. Osteoarthritis is also known as Degenerative Arthritis because of the nature of the disease.

The wear and tear on the cartilage is degeneration and increases with frequency as people age. In fact, there are now over 27 million people in the United States alone who suffer from Degenerative Arthritis. Individuals who have suffered an injury to a joint will often find as they age these joints are at greater risk for developing wear and tear arthritis.

The joints which are typically affected are the knees, hips, big toe, finger and spine. When a joint is affected, not only does the cartilage disintegrate but bone spurs can also develop. The combination of these two factors are what contribute to the development of pain.

Osteoarthritis is most common in individuals who are over age 40, and even more common over age 60. People who develop Degenerative Arthritis at a young age or in unusual joints, such as the shoulder, without history of an injury, should be screened for Hemochromatosis. This is a condition in which the body has too much iron that is deposited in the joints and organ systems. When found early, the further damage to both joints and organ systems can be prevented.

People can suffer from Secondary Osteoarthritis, meaning it is caused by another condition. Individuals who are obese, have repeated trauma or surgery, abnormal joints from birth, Chronic Gout, Diabetes or other hormonal disorders are at higher risk for developing Secondary Osteoarthritis.

Obesity causes mechanical stress on the cartilage and, next to aging, is the most powerful risk factor for developing Degenerative Arthritis of the knees. Repeated trauma to joint tissue will lead to early Degenerative Arthritis, such as soccer players and baseball players. However, recent studies have not found an increased risk of Osteoarthritis in long distance runners.

Individuals who are born with abnormally formed joints are more vulnerable to wear and tear, causing early degeneration. Hormonal disturbances such as Diabetes or growth hormone disorders are also associated with the early damage and Secondary Osteoarthritis.

References:

(1) DukeHealth: Vitamin C Worsens Knee Osteoarthritis in Animal Study

http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/7640

(2) American College of Rheumatology: Low Vitamin D Levels May Worsen Osteoarthritis of the Knee

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109202444.htm

(3) British Medical Journal: Effects of Glucosamine, Chondroitin or Placebo in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Hip or Knee: Network Meta-analysis

http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c4675.full