Degenerative Knee Joint Disease

Degenerative knee joint disease is one of the most common causes of knee joint pain and knee joint disability. Mild cases typically cause only mild knee joint discomfort; more severe cases often cause severe knee pain as well as restricted joint movement.

Function

• Degenerative knee joint disease, or knee osteoarthritis, is a condition marked by the gradual erosion of the articulating cartilage lining the knee joint. This cartilage erosion accelerates as the disease process advances.

Significance

• A leading cause of disabling knee pain and stiffness, degenerative knee joint disease can seriously damage the articulating surfaces of the knee joint, often times necessitating the need for total knee joint replacement surgery.

Effects

• Degenerative knee joint disease can significantly impede a person's ability to lead an active lifestyle and perform the basic activities of daily life. As an individual's activity levels decrease due to joint pain, knee joint stiffness and weakness typically increase.

Misconceptions

• Many people assume that degenerative knee joint disease is strictly a disease afflicting the elderly. This is a common misconception. Although much more common in the elderly population, degenerative knee joint disease can occur at virtually any age.

Prevention/Solution

• In mild to moderate cases, the symptoms of degenerative knee joint disease can generally be managed with activity modification, pain medication and physical therapy. In severe cases, degenerative knee joint disease may require corrective surgery to remedy.