Degenerative Joint Disease in Bryn Mawr: What You Need To Know

Diagnosing Your Condition

Degenerative joint disease is a joint disorder which is most common in the hands, knees, hips, or spine. Typical symptoms you may experience include:

• Joint stiffness when getting up after sitting or sleeping

• Swelling in the joints

• Sensation of “crunching” or bones rubbing together

• Difficulty sleeping

• Limping while walking   

These symptoms develop as cartilage within the joints breaks down or degenerates. This causes bones to lose their cushioning, exposing their surfaces to one another. This bone-on-bone contact can be very painful and cause inflammation and stiffness. Other side effects which can develop as a result of this condition include bone spurs and weakness or stiffness in the muscles around the joint.

Treating Your Condition

Common treatment options include:

• Lifestyle modification and weight loss

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections

• Bone realignment surgery

• Joint replacement surgery

Usually, your course of treatment will begin with the most conservative options. If these are effective, that may be all you need to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. If the initial option recommended by your doctor is not sufficient, however, she or he may recommend another course of treatment.