Degenerative arthritis is also termed as osteoarthritis. The cartilage in the joints is responsible for the motion of the joint as well as limiting the friction and tension between bones in the joints. In degenerative arthritis, the cartilage is damaged, leading to increased friction between the bones. Degenerative arthritis is most commonly seen in weight-bearing joints in the body such as the neck, knees and hips, but it can also occur in other joints. The damage in the joint also causes certain changes in the joint capsule as a result of inflammatory response and healing.

Symptoms and Signs of Degenerative Arthritis in TCM:
1. Stagnation of Qi and Blood due to Invasion of Wind, Cold, and Damp
Main symptoms: Severe pains in the diseased region, more pains when invaded by wind, heat, and damp, light and greasy tongue coating.

2. Joints Damaged due to Kidney and Liver Deficiency
Main symptoms: Pains in located part or the whole body, tired easily, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, thin and weak body, pale complexion, tinnitus, white and greasy tongue.

3. Hyperostosis due to Cold and Qi Stagnation
Main symptoms: crymodynia in the joints, severe pains, especially at night, limbs numbness, aversion to cold, light dark tongue coating.

4. Numbness of Joints due to Stagnation of Qi and Blood
Main symptoms: pains in the joints, stiffness, difficult to move, deformation of joints, numbness and swelling, light dark tongue coating.