There are over 100 different types of arthritis that a person can develop, and degenerative osteoarthritis is one of these. Also known as degenerative arthritis and just osteoarthritis or OA, this is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of arthritis and as well one of the hardest to deal with.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints, and unlike many other forms of arthritis, degenerative osteoarthritis does not affect other organs of the body.

Degenerative osteoarthritis can cause varying symptoms, but more than anything patients experience pain and inflammation around the joints. It can also cause the formation of hard, bony enlargements of the small joints of the fingers.

Degenerative arthritis of the hand is particularly common, and one of the hardest to deal with because everyone needs to use their hands. The cause of this type of arthritis is actually unknown, but there are a number of different factors that are known as being important in the development and progression of the disorder, such as mechanical factors and previous injuries.

Treatment

Before you even get started looking for a degenerative arthritis treatment, you really need to get yourself prepared for what is to come. After all, few arthritis sufferers actually find an effective, successful treatment in the first couple of months.

It usually takes quite a bit of trial and error before the right treatment is found, and you may even have to combine various treatments in order to get the best results.

You basically have two major options when it comes to treating your arthritis, whether you have degenerative arthritis or any other type: prescription medications and natural medicine. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but it really all depends on which you prefer combined with the input of your doctor and what they think is going to offer you the best results.

If your arthritis is particularly advanced for instance and causing you intense pain, you may have to use prescription medications until you get it under control, and only then would really have the option of using natural or holistic medicine.

If you have degenerative osteoarthritis, know first and foremost that you are not alone, and millions of other people around the world are suffering from it to. If you need some support you can talk to family and friends, check out arthritis therapy groups, and even go online and go on chat rooms and forums to meet other arthritis sufferers.