Joint Degeneration Specialist
The knee is the largest and strongest joint in your body. It is made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of the three bones where they touch are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones as you bend and straighten your knee.
Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called meniscus act as “shock absorbers” between your thighbone and shinbone. They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable.
The knee joint is surrounded by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction.
Degenerative Joint Disease FAQ
What Causes Degenerative Joint Disease?
Degenerative joint disease, commonly known as osteoarthritis, is a “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. As cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub together, leading to pain, swelling, and bone spur formation. It typically develops in people aged 50 and older but can also occur in younger individuals.
What Are The Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease?
Common symptoms of degenerative joint disease include:
- Stiffness and swelling in the knee, making it difficult to bend or straighten.
- Pain that worsens with activity or after resting for extended periods.
- Locking, sticking, or grinding sensations in the joint (crepitus).
- A feeling of knee weakness or buckling.
- Increased pain during rainy or humid weather.
What Are The Treatment Options For Degenerative Joint Disease?
While there is no cure for degenerative joint disease, several treatments can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid high-impact activities, switch to low-impact exercises, and manage weight to reduce joint stress.
- Physical Therapy: Engage in exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen muscles around the knee.
- Assistive Devices: Use canes, braces, or shock-absorbing shoe inserts to improve stability and reduce strain on the knee.
- Heat/Ice Therapy: Apply heat to loosen stiff joints or ice to reduce swelling and pain.
- Topical Ointments: Use pain-relieving creams or elastic bandages to provide support and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Treatment
If nonsurgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended. Options include:
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat conditions like a degenerative meniscal tear.
- Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed joint lining to reduce pain and swelling.
- Osteotomy: Reshaping of the shinbone or thighbone to relieve pressure on the damaged side of the knee.
- Knee Replacement: Total or partial knee replacement to remove damaged cartilage and replace it with metal or plastic components to restore function.
Can Degenerative Joint Disease Be Prevented?
While not entirely preventable, certain steps can reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints.
- Engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
- Avoid repetitive, high-stress activities on the knees.
- Practice good posture and use proper techniques during physical activities.