Degenerative Joint Disease in Humans

Degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis in humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. CDC statistics have found that this disease affects about 33.6 percent of adults in the United States who are 65 or older. Women tend to be at higher risk for this type of arthritis than men. Sites commonly associated with degenerative joint disease include knees, hands and thumb joints.

Definition

• Degenerative joint disease is also known as osteoarthritis. It occurs when wear and tear diminishes cartilage at the joint, often leading the bone to overgrow and to deformity of the joint itself.

Causes

• Factors that increase likelihood a person will get osteoarthritis include genetics, history of overuse in a joint or injury to the joint area. Those who are overweight tend to have this disease more often.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of degenerative joint disease are stiffness, pain and mild swelling in the joint area during or immediately after activity.

Treatment

• Treatment of degenerative joint disease generally involves an increase in exercise and use of over-the-counter pain killers. A brace or split may be applied to the affected area. Surgery, such as hip or joint replacement, may treat this condition in severe cases.

Prevention

• Losing weight and/or maintaining a healthy weight may be the best defense against degenerative joint disease. A person may also have to find other ways to be active that don't place stress on a particular area around a joint.