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TREATMENT OF DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITISDegenerative arthritis is also called osteoarthritis or "wear and tear" arthritis. It is a form of arthritis that causes the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Movement then causes the bones to rub against each other, which is painful. Degenerative arthritis is characterized by inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints.TREATMENT OF DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS Aside from weight reduction and avoiding activities that exert excessive stress on the joint cartilage, there is no specific treatment to halt cartilage degeneration or to repair damaged cartilage in osteoarthritis. The goal of treatment in degenerative arthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while improving and maintaining joint function. Some patients with this kind of arthritis have minimal or no pain, and may not need treatment. Others may benefit from conservative measures such as rest, exercise, weight reduction, physical and occupational therapy, and mechanical support devices. These measures are particularly important when large, weight-bearing joints are involved, such as the hips or knees. Medication may be taken orally or injected into the joints to decrease joint inflammation and pain. When conservative measures fail to control pain and improve joint function, surgery can be considered. Resting sore joints decreases stress on the joints, and relieves pain and swelling. Patients are asked to simply decrease the intensity and/or frequency of the activities that consistently cause joint pain. Exercise is helpful in osteoarthritis in several ways. First, it strengthens the muscular support around the joints. It also prevents the joints from "freezing up" and improves and maintains joint mobility. Finally, it helps with weight reduction and promotes endurance. Applying local heat before and cold packs after exercise can help relieve pain and inflammation. Swimming is particularly suited for patients with osteoarthritis because it allows patients to exercise with minimal impact stress to the joints. Other popular exercises include walking, stationary cycling, and light weight training. Physical therapists can provide support devices, such as splints, canes, walkers, and braces. These devices can be helpful in reducing stress on the joints. Occupational therapists can assess daily activities and determine additional devices that may help patients at work or home. Recently, the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with degenerative arthritis. However you must consult a health care professional before you take any of these supplements. Aside from the conventional treatment methods which, there are also numerous alternative therapies and treatments available, many of which are quite effective. Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases which are unresponsive to the conservative treatments. Arthroscopy, discussed above, can be helpful when cartilage tears are suspected. Osteotomy …….(bone removal procedure that can help realign some of the deformity in selected patients, usually those with knee disease). Arthrodesis…… (Severely degenerated joints are treated by fusion) () Arthroplasty…….(replacement with an artificial joint). Total hip and total knee replacements are now commonly performed in community hospitals throughout the United States. |
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