Degenerative Disease

Degenerative Joint Disease, also known as Osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common joint disorder. While the cause is unknown, it is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA. Symptoms usually appear in middle age. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes; after 55 it is more common in women. OA causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. As the disease progresses, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.

Common symptoms of OA include: joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it and is relieved by rest, grating of the joint with motion, joint pain in rainy weather, joint swelling, limited movement and morning stiffness. A physical exam and x-ray of affected joints will show the disease’s progress. Treatment depends on which joints are involved and focuses on pain relief, maintaining or improving joint movement, increasing the strength of the joints, and reducing the disabling affects of the disease. The most common medications used are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) pain relievers that reduce swelling such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs), steroids and supplements are also used. Lifestyle changes, exercise and physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints.

For more information about treatment of degenerative joint disease, contact us.