Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, occurs when a joint deteriorates. One of the most common types of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, affects weight-bearing joints like the shoulder or knee. Up to the age of 50, this condition affects both men and women equally. After 50, it is more likely for a woman to have osteoarthritis than a man. While many patients with arthritis have this condition, how it affects them and in which body part can vary.   

Hip

Patients with degenerative joint disease of the hip experience inflammation in their hip joint. Common symptoms include hip joint stiffness, sharp or dull pain in the hip and discomfort when walking. When it’s clear you have osteoarthritis of the hip, see a physical therapist. They will ask you about your medical history as well as how frequently you experience pain that is associated with this condition. In addition to helping you learn more about osteoarthritis, your physical therapist will create a unique treatment plan designed to improve your hip’s range of motion and strength.

Knee

A patient will develop a degenerative joint disease in their knee when the knee joint starts to degenerate or becomes inflamed. A traumatic knee injury can also cause someone to have this condition. If your knee swells up after being active, pops when it moves or is tender to the touch, you may have osteoarthritis of the knee. A physical therapist will determine if you have degenerative joint disease by asking you about your symptoms and by taking an x-ray of your knee. One technique that physical therapists use for patients with this condition is manual therapy. Manual therapy is when your physical therapist moves the muscles and joints in your knee to improve flexibility, movement, and strength.

Shoulder

If the cartilage in you shoulder joints becomes worn and torn, you have osteoarthritis of the shoulder. If you experience weakness in your shoulder, pain following stiffness and difficulty sleeping, you should see a physical a therapist. After coming to the conclusion that you have degenerative joint disease, the next step is determining if you need surgery or not. Your physical therapist will give you exercises that will strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder. If surgery is the only way to treat your condition, there are a variety of procedures for you and your doctor to consider.

An effective treatment for osteoarthritis, physical therapy has helped patients with this condition recover and resume their daily routine. If you live or work near Huntington Station, Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island can help. Our experienced team of doctors will work with you to treat your condition as well as help you prevent it from happening again. Call us at 631-847-0200  to for more information or to make an appointment.