Degenerative joint disease

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Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative Joint Disease (pronunciation: de-gen-er-a-tive joint dis-ease), also known as Osteoarthritis, is a common type of Arthritis characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of the Cartilage of one or more joints.

Etymology

The term "Degenerative Joint Disease" is derived from the Latin word "degenerare" meaning to decline or deteriorate, and the Greek word "arthron" meaning joint. The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise" meaning lack of ease.

Definition

Degenerative Joint Disease is a chronic condition that results in the deterioration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age onward. It causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease include:

  • Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
  • Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure
  • Stiffness in a joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity
  • Loss of flexibility may make it difficult to use the joint
  • Grating sensation when you use the joint
  • Bone spurs, which appear as hard lumps, may form around the affected joint

Causes

Degenerative Joint Disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. In Degenerative Joint Disease, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone.

Treatment

Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. The treatments include:

Related Terms

External links

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