Degenerative arthritis is another name for osteoarthritis. It carries the name degenerative arthritis because it involves the breaking down and degeneration of the cartilage in the body's joints. The cartilage acts as mini-cushions between the bones allowing us to move about, carry things, throw things, pick up things, sit, squat, run jump, kick, and stretch without pain.

Without cartilage, the bones would rub together and we'd all be in a great deal of pain. That's what happens to people with degenerative arthritis. A person with degenerative arthritis has worn cartilage in a specific joint. This cartilage will continue to wear away unless it is properly addressed with rest, exercise, and medication. If it isn't addressed, the cartilage will most likely degenerate completely, leaving absolutely no cushion between the bones.

Avoiding the Pain

When that happens, you are in a world of pain. Bones carry a number of nerves and when these nerves clash, you get pain. In advanced degenerative arthritis, the pain and swelling in the joints can render you completely immobile. My grandfather spent the last five years of his life confined to a wheelchair because he refused to address his degenerative arthritis in his hip.

As you get older, keep your ears open when walking up stairs, picking things up, and stretching your limbs. Listen for crackling sounds. If you consistently hear crackling noises coming from your joints, you need to have it checked out, even if there's no pain. It might be nothing, but it could be early stages of degenerative arthritis. Catching it early will help you prevent its development.