What is degenerative joint disease?

What is degenerative joint disease?

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Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints  like the knees, hips, and spine. Degenerative joint disease occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint gradually breaks down over time. As the cartilage wears away, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.

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Common symptoms of degenerative joint disease

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The symptoms of degenerative joint disease can vary depending on the affected joints and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

1. Joint pain: Persistent localized, dull aching pain in the affected joint, which may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities. In later stages, it is present at rest and upon activity.
2. Joint stiffness: Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected joint, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Typically, stiffness does not last more than 30 minutes.
3. Joint swelling: Swelling and inflammation in and around the affected joint.
4. Grating or grinding sensation: Some individuals may experience a grating or grinding sensation in the joint during movement. This is a common symptom in degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis and may progress from painless grating sensation to an extremely painful, high-pitched sound as a result of bone-on-bone articulation.
5. Joint instability: In later stages of degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis, symptoms of locking and buckling (giving way) may also occur during movement and can lead to increased risk of falls. 
6. Bone spurs: Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to the development of bone spurs around the affected joint.

What causes degenerative joint disease?

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The exact cause of degenerative joint disease is not entirely understood, but several factors contribute to its development, including:

1. Aging: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, as the wear and tear on joints over time lead to the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Although aging is indeed strongly associated with this condition, it must be emphasized that aging itself does not cause degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis, nor should be considered synonymous with the “normal” aging process. 
2. Joint overuse: Repetitive use of certain joints or excessive stress on weight-bearing joints can accelerate the wear and tear on cartilage.
3. Joint injury or trauma: A previous joint injury or trauma can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Repetitive microtrauma, specifically in occupational tasks involving kneeling and heavy lifting are related to the development of degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis.
4. Genetic factors: There is evidence that certain genetic factors may play a role in the development of degenerative joint disease.
5. Obesity: Being overweight has been shown to be a risk factor in developing degenerative joint disease in later life as it puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints; most evident in the knee joint and to a lesser extent into the hip and hands. 
6. Joint Misalignment: Joint misalignment or deformities including varus (bow leg) and valgus deformities (knock knees), as well as leg length discrepancy can put uneven pressure on the joint surfaces, contributing to cartilage wear.
7. Metabolic factors: Certain metabolic factors, such as high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), can increase the risk of osteoarthritis or related conditions like gout.

How can physical therapy help? 

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Physical therapy can play a significant role in managing degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis. A physical therapist can provide targeted interventions to reduce pain, improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall joint function. Here's how physical therapy can help with degenerative joint disease:

1. Pain management: Physical therapists can use various techniques, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the affected joints.
2. Stretching and joint mobilization:  To increase the mobility of the affected joint, stretching and joint mobilization techniques are utilized. The physical therapists will also teach self-stretching/flexibility exercises and the importance of movement to counteract the developing restrictions.
3. Strengthening exercises: Progressive weakening of the muscles occurs from inactivity and weak muscles may add to the joint dysfunction. Physical therapists utilized strengthening exercises within the tolerance of the joint to improve muscle strength, endurance and function. 
4. Aerobic exercises: Physical therapists prescribe exercises designed to improve cardiopulmonary function. It consists of exercises that have low impact on the joints, such as walking, biking or swimming. Activities that can cause repetitive intensive force on the joints such as, jogging and jumping should be avoided. 
5. Joint protection techniques: Physical therapists teach individuals with DJD specific techniques to protect their joints during daily activities to reduce pain and minimize joint strain.
6. Assistive or adaptive devices: Physical therapists may prescribe the use of assistive or adaptive devices, such as raised toilet seat, cane or walker to decrease painful stresses on the joint and maintain function. 
7. Posture and body mechanics: Proper posture and body mechanics are essential to prevent unnecessary stress on joints. Physical therapists educate patients on how to maintain good posture and body alignment during activities.
8. Functional training: As the muscle strength, endurance and performance improved, functional training is initiated through simulation of the desired functional activities and drills which enable the patients to practice under supervised condition and to receive feedback on correct mechanics. 
9. Balance and proprioception training: Exercises to improve balance and proprioception (joint position sense) can help reduce the risk of falls and improve joint stability.
10. Home exercise program: Physical therapists often provide patients with a specialized home exercise program and teach how to incorporate it into their daily routine to reinforce the intervention and minimize symptoms. 
11. Education and self-management: Physical therapists educate patients about DJD, how to protect the joints while remaining active and how to manage symptoms. They also teach about the deforming forces on the joints and its prevention. 
12. Lifestyle recommendations: Physical therapists may provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as managing weight, staying physically active, and adapting daily activities to minimize joint stress.

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By working with a physical therapist, individuals with degenerative joint disease can improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. The treatment plan is tailored to each individual's specific needs and the severity of their DJD. Regular physical therapy sessions can help individuals manage their condition effectively, maintain joint function, and stay as active and independent as possible. Early intervention and appropriate management can significantly impact the progression of DJD and improve overall joint health.

Trust PeteHealth for degenerative joint disease treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat degenerative joint disease? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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