Signs & Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease refers to the wearing away of the joint surface. Cartilage between the joints erodes and bones become deformed. Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with this "wear and tear" pattern, though end-stage rheumatoid arthritis looks the same.

Identification

• An early sign of degenerative joint disease is stiffness in the morning of the affected joint that lasts 15 minutes or longer. A similar stiffness is evident following activity.

Signs

• Other signs of the disease are pain, cracking or popping sounds, instability, and tenderness or warmth in the afflicted joint. Changes in weather may bring on discomfort.

Symptoms

• Degenerative joint disease symptoms tend to subside overnight and increase throughout the day with activity.

Hands and Spine

• Signs of degenerative joint disease specific to the hand are bony lumps in finger joints or at the base of the thumb. When the spine is involved, pain can radiate through the neck and shoulders.

History

• Degenerative joint disease has likely been under way in the body for months or years before the first signs or symptoms are noticed. Typically, it is observed after the age of 50.