Joint health: understanding degenerative arthritis
Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common joint conditions among older adults. The most commonly affected joints are knees, hips and fingers.
Causes and Risk Factors
Joint overuse or injury such as frequent bending, heavy labor, sports injuries, excess weight, aging and genetics can all play a factor in the development of a degenerative arthritis.
Early Signs and Symptoms
• Joint pain with movement that improves with rest
• Morningstiffnessorstiffness after inactivity
• Swelling and reduced range of motion
• Grindingorpoppingsounds when moving a joint Diagnosis and Treatment
Arthritis diagnosis is usually confirmed through X-rays or MRI scans, which show cartilage loss and joint changes.
• Medications and injections
• Physicaltherapy,exerciseand weight management
• Surgery Traditional Eastern Medicine
• Acupuncture and herbal medicine
• Cuppingandmoxibustion— to relax muscles and improve energy flow Exercise and lifestyle tips
Low-impact exercises such as swimming, indoor cycling or walking are the best in preventing this condition. Remember to stretch to warm up the muscles and joints before and after the exercise, adjust intensity and duration if needed, and consult a professional if pain occurs.
Nutrition for Joint Health
• Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon, anchovies, mackerel)
• Mugwort and other antiinflammatory herbs
Prevention and Care
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid repetitive knee bending, deep squats, or sitting cross-legged
• Quit smoking Degenerative arthritis can be managed with the combination of a modern and traditional medicine, exercise and nutrition. To learn more, consult Dr. Yeung H. Kwon at Leisure World Optum HealthCare Center.
—Dr. Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D.
Joint overuse or injury such as frequent bending, heavy labor or sports injuries, excess weight, aging and genetics can all play a factor in the development of a degenerative arthritis.
