Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions

🦴 Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions

These terms refer to disorders that progressively damage the joints, cartilage, bones, and connective tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, and functional impairment over time.

🔍 Overview

Arthritis

A group of conditions characterized by joint inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.

Common Types:

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Most common; due to wear-and-tear of cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – Autoimmune; immune system attacks joint lining.

Psoriatic arthritis – Linked to psoriasis.

Gout – Caused by uric acid crystal buildup.

Juvenile arthritis – Affects children.

Degenerative Conditions

These are chronic, progressive disorders involving the deterioration of tissues, often beyond just the joints.

Common Examples:

Degenerative disc disease – Intervertebral discs lose height and elasticity, leading to back or neck pain.

Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves.

Spondylosis – Age-related changes in the spine (can affect neck or back).

Meniscal degeneration – Breakdown of knee cartilage over time.

Rotator cuff degeneration – Shoulder tendon wear leading to weakness and pain.

🧬 Causes & Risk Factors

Age – Most common factor

Genetics – Family history increases risk

Injury – Prior trauma or overuse

Obesity – Adds mechanical stress to joints

Autoimmunity – Immune system misfires (e.g., RA, lupus)

Lifestyle – Poor posture, inactivity, repetitive strain

🩺 Diagnosis

Physical exam – Joint tenderness, swelling, range of motion

X-rays / MRI / CT – Detect joint damage or degeneration

Blood tests – Inflammatory markers (RA, autoimmune arthritis)

Joint aspiration – Examines joint fluid for infection or crystals

💊 Treatment Options

Conservative

Physical therapy

NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Activity modification

Joint injections (e.g., corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid)

Weight loss & nutrition

Assistive devices (braces, walkers)

Surgical

Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive cleanup of joints

Joint replacement – Hips, knees, shoulders (for end-stage arthritis)

Spinal fusion or disc replacement

Osteotomy – Realigns bones to offload joint pressure

🌱 Emerging & Regenerative Therapies

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

Stem cell therapy

Biologic drugs – Especially for autoimmune arthritis (e.g., TNF inhibitors)

Gene therapy (experimental)

🤝 Specialists Involved

Rheumatologists – For medical management

Orthopedic surgeons – For surgical interventions

Physiatrists (PM&R) – Rehabilitation and pain management

Physical/occupational therapists