Degenerative Arthritis Is the Most Common Form of Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis, commonly known as osteoarthritis, is the result of a breakdown in the cartilage between the joints. Cartilage is necessary, as it serves as the padding between the bones. Degenerative arthritis affects upwards of 20 million people in the United States alone. Degenerative arthritis is more common in males before the age of 45. Degenerative arthritis is diagnosed more often in women after the age of 55. Degenerative arthritis affects the races equally in the United States, however, Japan has the highest recordings of degenerative arthritis. The lowest rates of degenerative arthritis occur in the people of Southern China and South Africa. The aging process promotes the increase in the amount of water in cartilage. Degenerative arthritis is mostly due to this increase in water which breaks down the protein of cartilage. With continual use, joints tend to become inflamed which leads to swelling and pain. Cartilage will eventually start eroding and flake away...