Often, physical and occupational therapists may be involved by your physician to assist you in the process of rehabilitation via a combination of therapies and exercises. A gel-like substance that is similar to the natural lubricant in the joints is injected into the region to create the cushioning effect that Osteoarthritis removes from the joints. The process of viscosupplementation has also become common of late as it reduces the pain in the joints. Doctors treat this condition with a combination of therapies including: rest, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, hot/cold therapy, as well as over-the-counter medication such as oral and topical analgesics.Īdditionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, or even corticosteroids orally or as an injection may be recommended to produce the best results in terms of reduction of symptoms. The treatment of osteoarthritis is based on the symptoms and the locations where they are experienced. Getting a medical opinion at the right time can help arrest the progress of the disease even though it can not be completely reversed. How is degenerative joint disease treated? Joint aspiration helps rule out other arthritis forms or conditions. MRIs give a view of the cartilage and joints condition.
How is degenerative joint disease diagnosed?Īs a disease that initially develops very slowly, osteoarthritis can be hard to detect or diagnose unless the more severe symptoms manifest themselves. This can also cause the rapid deterioration of the cartilage, expediting the onset of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.
Though very rare, some people also have a genetic defect, which affects the making of collagen, an important component of the cartilage. Unfortunately, damaged cartilage, unlike several other parts of the body, cannot repair itself as it does not contain blood vessels. While any joints are susceptible to this condition, the regions of the hips, hands, knees, and the back or the spine are the most common areas where the onset of osteoarthritis is experienced. Eventually, the bones move directly on each other causing severe friction, inflammation, and pain, along with other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. If the cartilage breaks down or completely wears away, there is initially friction in joint movement along with a deterioration in the connective tissues between the muscles, joints, and bones. Cartilage is a flexible yet tough substance that cushions the ends of the bones within a joint and prevents them from rubbing directly against each other. One of the main reasons causing degenerative joint disease is the repetitive use of weight-bearing joints, which then causes a breakdown or damage to the cartilage in the joints between the bones. What causes Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease?