Degenerative Arthritis

A type of arthritis caused by wearing out of joints, breakdown, and eventual loss of the cartilage between the joints. Degenerative arthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it can affect the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, particularly amongst older individuals. OA affects millions of people around the world and is often deemed a ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. It is essentially the wearing down of the cartilage at the end of the bones, and it primarily affects the joints such as knees, hips, spine and hands. Dull achy pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, bone spurs and swelling are the most typical symptoms of OA. It is a degenerative disease that can often get worse over time, especially in obese and overweight individuals due to excessive weight on load-bearing joints causing faster wear and tear of the cartilage.
How does Lomibao Rheumatology & Wellness Care treat Degenerative Arthritis?
Firstline treatments include staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping connective tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments) that support the joints strong, elastic and good range of motion. Physical therapy or one-on-one gym training may be recommended. Topical treatments such as capsaicin, topical NSAIDs may be applied on affected joints. Oral medications such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen may be used. Evaluation by an orthopedist is needed for more invasive treatments including joint injections, arthroscopic surgery, or joint replacement surgery. Wellness services for osteoarthritis – coming soon!