Do your knees feel stiff before you even get out of bed? Or do your hips ache after a long walk? At first, it’s easy to brush this discomfort off and think, “I’m just getting older.” But when joint pain starts to linger, come and go unpredictably, or slowly interfere with daily activities, it may be more than simple aging.
Degenerative joint disease, often referred to as osteoarthritis, is a real medical condition that can gradually worsen without the right support. Fortunately, early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health.
At One Oak Medical, patients receive thoughtful, individualized care to identify degenerative joint disease early and build treatment plans that support both pain relief and function. With the right guidance, it’s possible to protect your joints and stay active in the ways that matter most to you. Let’s take a closer look at what degenerative joint disease is and how it can be treated.
What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?
Degenerative joint disease (DJD), commonly known as osteoarthritis, is a condition that affects the protective cartilage within a joint. Cartilage is the smooth, cushion-like tissue that covers the ends of bones, allowing them to glide over one another without friction. In a healthy joint, cartilage absorbs shock and helps movement feel smooth and controlled.
Over time, or due to injury or other contributing factors, this cartilage can begin to break down. As it thins or wears away, the bones may start to rub against each other. This friction can lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and changes in the structure of the joint itself.
One reason degenerative joint disease can be challenging is that it often develops gradually. Symptoms may begin subtly: mild stiffness in the morning, occasional discomfort after activity, or a joint that feels “tight.” Because progression is usually slow, many people delay seeking care until symptoms become more disruptive.
Without intervention, however, the joint can continue to deteriorate. Bone spurs may form, inflammation may increase, and mobility can become more limited. Early identification allows for proactive steps that may slow progression and preserve function.
Common Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease
Symptoms of degenerative joint disease can vary from person to person and depend heavily on which joints are affected. However, there are several hallmark signs that often appear as the condition progresses.
Stiffness
Joint stiffness is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of degenerative joint disease. Many individuals notice stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting for extended periods. This stiffness typically improves with gentle movement but may return after periods of inactivity.
Reduced Range of Motion
As cartilage wears down and inflammation increases, the joint may not move as freely as it once did. You may find it harder to fully bend or straighten your knee, rotate your shoulder, or grip objects comfortably.
Swelling
Inflammation within the joint can cause visible or subtle swelling. The area may feel puffy or tight, especially after physical activity.
Aching Pain
Pain from degenerative joint disease is often described as a deep, aching sensation. It may worsen after prolonged activity or toward the end of the day. In more advanced stages, pain may persist even during rest.
Joint Tenderness
The joint may feel tender to the touch. Pressure applied during daily tasks, such as kneeling, gripping, or leaning on the affected joint, can increase discomfort.
Clicking or Grinding Sensations
As cartilage diminishes, the joint surfaces may not glide smoothly. Some individuals experience a clicking, popping, or grinding sensation (known as crepitus) during movement.
Pain That Worsens With Activity
Because degenerative joint disease affects the mechanics of the joint, symptoms often intensify with activity. Walking long distances, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or repetitive motions may trigger flare-ups.
Which Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?
Degenerative joint disease can occur in any joint, but certain areas are more frequently involved:
- Knees: Weight-bearing and repetitive movement make the knees especially vulnerable.
- Hips: Pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, or buttocks.
- Hands: Stiffness and swelling in the fingers can affect grip strength and fine motor tasks.
- Shoulders: Reaching overhead or behind the back may become difficult.
- Spine: Degeneration in the spine can lead to neck or lower back pain and stiffness.
Because symptoms vary depending on the joint involved, personalized evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
What Causes Degenerative Joint Disease?
Degenerative joint disease is typically the result of multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. Some of the most common include:
- Age: Cartilage naturally becomes less resilient over time. While aging alone does not guarantee osteoarthritis, it does increase your risk.
- Previous Injuries: Past joint injuries, such as fractures, ligament tears, or dislocations, can accelerate cartilage breakdown. Even injuries from years ago may contribute to degeneration later in life.
- Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that involve repeated joint motion (kneeling, lifting, overhead reaching) can place ongoing strain on cartilage.
- Weight-Related Joint Strain: Excess body weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even modest weight changes can significantly affect joint stress.
- Genetics: Family history may influence cartilage strength, joint alignment, and susceptibility to degeneration.
- Alignment Issues: Structural differences, such as uneven joint alignment, can cause certain areas of cartilage to wear down more quickly.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation within the joint can contribute to cartilage damage and symptom progression.
Understanding the underlying contributors helps guide targeted treatment strategies that address not only symptoms, but also the factors driving joint stress.
How Is Degenerative Joint Disease Diagnosed?
A proper diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical evaluation. Your provider will take time to review:
- Your symptom history
- When discomfort began
- What activities make symptoms better or worse
- How symptoms are affecting daily life
During the physical exam, your provider may assess joint tenderness, range of motion, strength, swelling, and alignment.
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, may be used when appropriate. X-rays can reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other structural changes consistent with degenerative joint disease. In some cases, additional imaging may be recommended to evaluate soft tissue structures.
Treatment Options for Degenerative Joint Disease
One of the most important things to understand about degenerative joint disease is that treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the joint involved, lifestyle factors, and overall health. For this reason, one person’s treatment plan may vary significantly from another person’s.
Some of the most common treatment options for osteoarthritis include:
Weight Management
For weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, even modest weight reduction can reduce joint strain and improve comfort. A personalized plan may include nutritional guidance and safe activity recommendations.
Activity Modification
Adjusting certain movements or incorporating rest periods can help reduce joint stress while maintaining overall activity levels.
Physical Therapy & Strengthening
Targeted strengthening exercises help support the joint by improving muscle stability. Stronger muscles absorb more force, reducing stress on cartilage. Physical therapy may also focus on improving flexibility and movement mechanics.
Mobility Work
Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness. Consistent movement is often more beneficial than prolonged rest.
Supportive Braces or Orthotics
In some cases, braces or supportive devices may help offload pressure from specific areas of the joint and improve alignment.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort when appropriate.
Injections
For some individuals, joint injections may provide temporary symptom relief by reducing inflammation or improving joint lubrication. These options are considered carefully and discussed thoroughly with patients.
When Is Surgery Considered for Degenerative Joint Disease?
For many people, degenerative joint disease can be managed effectively with conservative care. However, there are situations where surgery becomes an appropriate next step, such as when symptoms begin to significantly limit mobility, independence, or quality of life.
Common Surgical Options for Degenerative Joint Disease
The right surgical approach depends on the joint involved, the severity of cartilage loss, and the patient’s overall health. Some common surgical options may include:
- Arthroscopy: In select cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures may be used to address loose cartilage fragments or joint irritation, though it is not typically a long-term solution for advanced osteoarthritis.
- Osteotomy: This procedure involves reshaping or repositioning bone to improve joint alignment and reduce stress on the damaged area. It is sometimes used for younger or more active patients with arthritis in a specific part of the joint.
- Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): For advanced degenerative joint disease, partial or total joint replacement may be recommended. Knee replacement and hip replacement are the most common surgeries, as they significantly reduce pain while restoring function and mobility.
Let Us Help You Address Daily Joint Pain
Degenerative joint disease is common, but it does not mean you have to accept constant pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility as your new normal. Early evaluation can help identify the condition before significant joint damage occurs, giving you more options for effective treatment.
At One Oak Medical, patients across North Jersey receive individualized care designed to address both symptoms and long-term joint health. By focusing on personalized treatment plans that prioritize function, comfort, and prevention, our team works to help patients move more confidently.
If you’ve been noticing persistent joint pain, stiffness, or changes in your mobility, contact our orthopedic specialists to schedule an evaluation.