Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. Degenerative arthritis is the most common form of arthritis, usually affecting the feet, hands, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Also known as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.

In 2015, my world was turned upside down. My mother had surgery on her knee due to a meniscus tear, but as she began physical therapy, she noticed something was all wrong. I, being the fifth grader I was tried to make her feel better and be my spunky self. I was too young to understand, but I remember my mom sitting me down and telling me that she was going to need help around the house more… By the time I entered eighth grade, my mother had a limp. We couldn’t go on walks anymore, she couldn’t carry some of the heavy objects she used to carry. I finally understood that the talk we had when I was in fifth grade was going to be our reality. My mom has osteoarthritis, and each day is more of a struggle than the last. Some days are good, but most days are difficult. 

 

I have not been in the numerous rooms my mom has been in, but I have done my research on alternative medicines, and steps to take to navigate through this disease. I am searching for any way to help because I know she can’t do this on her own.

Here are some basics I found that I will now share with you…

 

Old age is a major factor as the cartilage becomes brittle over time and less capable to repair itself, however, it is still relevant in young children. The median age of people who suffer from degenerative arthritis is 60, whereas people who may be in their 20’s or 30’s may have underlying health issues that lead to osteoarthritis. 

 

Previous injury can cause irregularities on the surface where the complex bone and cartilage structure can be easily compromised by impact or compression. Tibial Plateau fractures can also be a cause, in which the area that is broken (within the bone) enters the cartilage of knee joints.

 

Infections around the joints, whether it’s bacterial or viral, lead to deterioration of cartilage or skin lesions that penetrate the joint and synovial membrane; multiple episodes of gout, recurrent staph infection, or joint infection have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

 

Genetics can have a leading role in certain types of arthritis, such as family history which is the case 40% of the time.

 

In my mom’s case, her underlying factors were old age and previous injury.

 

This condition can be diagnosed through the following: 

 

Through physical exams, a doctor will check joints for tenderness, swelling, redness, and flexibility.

 

X-rays do not reflect on the visibility of cartilage but instead reveals cartilage loss through the narrowing of space between bones or bone spurs around a joint.

 

Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of bone and tissue, including cartilage; it is an uncommon way in which osteoarthritis can be diagnosed.

 

Joint fluid analysis tests for inflammation through drawing fluid in the affected joint, which then determines what the diagnosis is

 

In my mom’s case, she took multiple physical exams, x-rays, and multiple MRI’s over a long period of time.

 

Short Term:	Long Term:
Daily pains and stiffness Some days are easier to move joints The weather is constantly changing and has different influences on joints	Loss of enjoyment in life Irritability and fluid build-up Deterioration of joints that is irreversible and no cure Deformity in body from cartilage damage Constant doctors visit and medications to ease pain

 

All of these symptoms have eaten away at my mother’s body and have made even the simplest of tasks become excruciatingly difficult. My mom didn’t want to become dependent on the medication her doctor gave her, and she was smart not to. Instead, we found alternative methods to help cope with her pain. Most of these required a consistent treatment that lasted a couple weeks to a couple months, while some were straightforward and most typical methods. Her diet has become more restricted, adhering more to organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free foods. Furthermore, she has received cupping, acupuncture, and has gone to physical therapy. Some days in the summer she would go on a walk with me but what I found most bizarre was how weather could affect her joints. When it rains or reaches humid climates, she feels the most pain and swelling. With Illinois weather, that has become a pain in the butt to deal with. 

In October, we took a trip to Colorado and while we were there, my mom realized she hadn’t been feeling as much pain as she normally did. She was staying hydrated since we were at a higher elevation, and she had brought her knee braces, medications, and PT bands, but she didn’t use them. That was EIGHT days! She even began looking into oils and medical marijuana (I know, I know, you can laugh). My mom hasn’t relied on science much though, she is and has been exercising her mind to be more positive and has become deeply rooted in her faith throughout this process. From all of this, I’d have to say her faith has kept her going more than any medicine ever could.

This has been a topic I try to avoid because it’s difficult having a parent with a degenerative disease. The likelihood of my mother dying from this is .0348 chance, but the likelihood of her having disability has progressed. I don’t know if I believe that a cure will ever be found, but I do trust in the process and there is not a doubt in my mind as to how strong my mom is. It’s a process and everyday we are learning something new.