Degenerative Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease or joint degeneration. Wear-and-tear arthritis is named by the fact that disease develops when joints wear down, allowing bones to grind against each other. Joint stiffness, discomfort, and swelling are common symptoms of degenerative joint disease. It can become debilitating to the point where daily duties become difficult. Chronic repetitive motion, which causes inflammation and structural joint deterioration, is usually the underlying cause of this disorder. Pain, redness, and swelling are all symptoms of inflammation. As the body works to clean up/protect damaged tissue, even the least amount of trauma causes inflammation. The breakdown of cartilage, which functions as a smooth gliding surface and cushion in the joints, occurs as a result of this cycle of joint damage and inflammation. Any joint can be affected, but the knees, hands, hips, and spine are the most common. Degenerative joint disease affects more than half of all persons over the age of 65. Pain, loss of function, and decreased endurance are all symptoms of this disorder, which can lead to weight gain and consequences.