Signs of Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is a common form of arthritis. The disease wears down cartilage in the joints. While it can affect any area of the body, degenerative joint disease typically affects the lower back, knees, neck, hips and hands.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of degenerative joint disease include joints which are painful, tender and stiff. A person may lose flexibility, feel a grating sensation in the joint and develop bone spurs around the joint.
Causes
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Degenerative joint disease has no clear cause, but contributors could include obesity, muscle weakness, injury or stress to joints, aging and heredity.
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Risks
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Risks of developing degenerative joint disease include having joint injuries, obesity, being female, being over 40 and having a bone deformity such as malformed joints.
Treatment
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Treatment of degenerative joint disease includes Tylenol, ibuprofen, prescription pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cortisone shots to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Therapy
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Various therapies are used to treat degenerative joint disease. Treatment includes physical therapy, braces or splints, shoe inserts, hyaluronic acid injections for pain and occupational therapy.
Surgery
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Surgical procedures used to treat degenerative joint disease include replacing joints with plastic or metal prostheses, realigning bones and fusing bones in a joint to reduce pain.
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