Massachusetts Degenerative Joint Disease Lawyers, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis Disability Attorneys Attorney, Disability, Job Injury

There are several different types of Degenerative Joint Disease, the most common are: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease in which there is a progressive degenerative joint disease where the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones facing the joint wears out. The ends of these bones will increase in size and thickness - resulting in 'swollen knuckles'.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful joint disease where the affected joints become inflamed.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the following test to determine if a person with a degenerative joint disease meets the criteria for awarding Disability Benefits. The person must have:

A history of persistent joint pain, swelling and tenderness involving multiple major joints which are defined as hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or wrist and hand. The person must have significant restriction of the functioning of the affected joints and it must be expected that this condition will last at least twelve months.
The medical examination must also be corroborated by a blood test that is positive for rheumatoid factor, or positive for antinuclear antibodies, or higher than usual sedimentation rate or characteristic changes in the tissue in a biopsy of the synovial membrane.

Degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, often impair an individual's ability to work and function from day to day. Pain, loss of movement in affected joints, and physical disfigurement are some of the debilitating effects of a joint disease.

Treatments

Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Liquid cortisone injections to joint area
Stress relief: canes, walkers, braces, weight loss
Physical therapy, heat and special exercises

Surgery

Arthroscopic or general surgery to remove damaged lining or bone spurs or bits
Joint realignment to ease movement
Replacement with artificial joints
Fusing adjacent bones to eliminate movement and pain

Several arthritis drugs have been associated with a number of serious, sometimes life-threatening, side effects, including cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney failure, and stomach ulcers. Vioxx, Celebrex, and Arava, are some of the drugs that are intended to provide relief from a degenerative joint disease, but can often cause serious and harmful side effects. If you have taken one of the above prescription drugs, and have suffered damage due to side effects, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, and receive compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered the physical, emotional, and monetary effects of a degenerative joint disease, there is help. The Boston, MA law firm Kantrovitz & Associates is experienced in social security disability claims, pharmaceutical negligence, workers compensation claims, and can help you decide your best course of action and develop the best legal strategy for receiving relief.

Call Kantrovitz & Associates today to have your situation evaluated and to preserve your rights under the law. We can be reached at (800) 299-2508 or contact us via email at info@kantrovitzlaw.com.