Degenerative joint disease can cause ongoing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. At Joint Health Solutions, we help Mount Holly patients explore non-surgical treatment options designed to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and support long-term joint health.
Our team focuses on personalized care plans that may include injection therapy, regenerative medicine, physical therapy guidance, bracing, lifestyle support, and other conservative treatments based on your symptoms and goals.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C
Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, happens when the protective cartilage inside a joint gradually breaks down over time. As cartilage wears away, the bones may create more friction during movement, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited motion.
For many Mount Holly adults, degenerative joint disease develops slowly and may affect daily activities such as walking, standing, climbing stairs, lifting, exercising, or getting up from a seated position.
At Joint Health Solutions, we help patients understand the source of their joint pain and create non-surgical treatment plans focused on improving comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Degenerative joint disease can affect different parts of the joint, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissue. As the joint changes, symptoms may become more noticeable during movement or after activity.
Common changes may include:
Understanding how the joint is affected helps our team recommend the most appropriate treatment options for each patient.
DJD can affect any synovial joint, but certain areas are most commonly impacted.
Degenerative joint disease in the knees may cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, or standing for long periods.
Hip joint degeneration may lead to pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, or outer hip, along with reduced range of motion and difficulty walking.
Shoulder degeneration may cause pain with lifting, reaching, sleeping on one side, or moving the arm overhead.
Degenerative changes in the spine may cause neck or lower back stiffness, discomfort, and limited flexibility.
Joint degeneration in the hands may lead to finger stiffness, swelling, aching, reduced grip strength, or difficulty with daily tasks.
Common symptoms may include:
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
Swelling or tenderness around the affected joint
Grinding, clicking, or popping during movement
Reduced range of motion
Trouble walking, climbing stairs, bending, or lifting
Joint weakness or instability
Difficulty performing normal daily activities
Symptoms can vary depending on the joint affected and the severity of degeneration. Some patients may have mild discomfort, while others experience ongoing pain that affects their routine.
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Joint wear can become more common as the body ages. |
| Previous Injury | Old injuries, fractures, or joint trauma may increase the risk of degeneration. |
| Repetitive Use | Repeated stress from work, sports, or daily activities can contribute to joint wear. |
| Excess Weight | Extra pressure on weight-bearing joints may worsen joint stress, especially in the knees and hips. |
| Family History | Some patients may be more likely to develop joint degeneration due to genetics. |
| Joint Alignment Issues | Poor alignment or instability may place uneven pressure on the joint. |
