Arthropathy is a collective term for any disease of the joints. Degenerative Arthropathy describes a weakening of the joints that occurs over time. Also known as Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, degenerative Arthropathy is an inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues.
It may be caused by overuse of joints, aging, or simply wear and tear. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates as a function of biologic processes. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses.
In advanced osteoarthritis, there is a total loss of the cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can mechanically irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophytes) to form around the joints
Clinical Information Related to Degenerative Arthropathy and Medical Marijuana
- Arthritis