{"id":4470,"date":"2026-05-06T07:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T07:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/?p=4470"},"modified":"2026-05-07T10:41:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T10:41:50","slug":"degenerative-joint-disease-djd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/blog\/degenerative-joint-disease-djd\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease: Prevention and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease: Prevention and Treatment<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmayo 6, 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease: Prevention and Treatment<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 33 million U.S. adults. It develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones begins to break down, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Although OA was once thought of as inevitable \u201cwear and tear,\u201d researchers now recognize that chronic low\u2011grade inflammation, metabolic factors, biomechanical stresses and even gut dysbiosis contribute to its development and progression. At Joint Health Solutions, we take a proactive, root\u2011cause approach to DJD\u2014focusing on prevention, early intervention and minimally invasive treatments to help you stay active and avoid joint replacement.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage. As cartilage deteriorates:
OA most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine and shoulders, but any synovial joint can be involved.<\/p>
Bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain and inflammation.<\/li>
Bone spurs (osteophytes) form as the body attempts to stabilize the joint.<\/li>
The synovium becomes inflamed and produces more synovial fluid, causing swelling and stiffness.<\/li>
Ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint weaken, reducing stability and increasing the risk of further injury.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Stages of DJD<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Radiologists use the Kellgren\u2013Lawrence (KL) grading system to classify the severity of osteoarthritis on X\u2011rays. Early detection (Grades\u00a01\u20112) offers the best opportunity for disease\u2011modifying interventions.<\/p>
Grade<\/p><\/td>
Description<\/p><\/td>
X\u2011Ray Findings<\/p><\/td>
Typical Symptoms<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
0<\/p><\/td>
No osteoarthritis<\/p><\/td>
Normal joint space<\/p><\/td>
None<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
1<\/p><\/td>
Doubtful narrowing<\/p><\/td>
Possible joint space narrowing; possible small bone spurs<\/p><\/td>
Occasional mild pain<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
2<\/p><\/td>
Mild OA<\/p><\/td>
Definite bone spurs; possible reduced joint space<\/p><\/td>
Pain with activity; morning stiffness<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
3<\/p><\/td>
Moderate OA<\/p><\/td>
Definite moderate joint space narrowing; multiple bone spurs; possible deformity<\/p><\/td>
Frequent pain, crepitus, stiffness<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
4<\/p><\/td>
Severe OA<\/p><\/td>
Severe joint space narrowing; large bone spurs; deformity<\/p><\/td>
Constant pain; limited range of motion<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source: Kellgren\u2013Lawrence grading descriptions.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Risk Factors and Causes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Several factors increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. These factors interact; addressing modifiable risks can slow disease progression.<\/p>
Risk Factor<\/p><\/td>
Mechanism<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Age<\/p><\/td>
Cartilage becomes less resilient with age; cumulative mechanical wear increases risk.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Obesity<\/p><\/td>
Excess body weight loads joints (each pound of weight adds four pounds of force on knees) and fat tissue releases inflammatory cytokines that accelerate cartilage damage.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Joint Injury<\/p><\/td>
Previous trauma (e.g., ACL tears) or repetitive stress damages joint structures, accelerating OA.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Genetics<\/p><\/td>
Family history of OA increases susceptibility.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Gender (Female)<\/p><\/td>
Women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause, possibly due to hormonal and anatomical factors.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Muscle Weakness<\/p><\/td>
Weak quadriceps and other supporting muscles reduce joint stability and are associated with increased knee pain.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Obesity & Gut Dysbiosis<\/p><\/td>
Obesity and an imbalanced gut microbiome cause systemic inflammation and release of inflammatory proteins that settle in the joint lining.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Low Vitamin D<\/p><\/td>
Low vitamin\u00a0D levels are associated with reduced knee cartilage volume and increased OA progression.<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Prevention Strategies<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You can\u2019t change your age or genetics, but you can reduce your risk or slow disease progression by adopting these strategies:<\/p>
Maintain a healthy weight \u2013 every pound of weight loss reduces knee load by four pounds and relieves pain.<\/li>
Stay active with low\u2011impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) \u2013 physical activity improves function and can delay OA.<\/li>
Strengthen supporting muscles \u2013 progressive resistance training improves quadriceps power and decreases knee pain risk.<\/li>
Avoid joint injuries \u2013 use proper form and protective equipment; choose joint\u2011friendly activities to minimize stress.<\/li>
Follow an anti\u2011inflammatory diet \u2013 emphasize omega\u20113\u2011rich fish, colorful fruits and vegetables, and fiber to support gut health and reduce inflammation.<\/li>
Support gut health \u2013 address dysbiosis and leaky gut through probiotic foods, fiber, and avoidance of excess sugar and antibiotics.<\/li>
Optimize vitamin\u00a0D \u2013 adequate sunlight exposure and vitamin\u00a0D levels are associated with slower knee cartilage loss.<\/li>
Correct biomechanics \u2013 treat leg length discrepancies, foot pronation and poor posture with orthotics or physical therapy to reduce joint stress.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Non\u2011Surgical Treatment Options<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Most patients with <\/span>Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)<\/span><\/b> can be managed successfully without surgery<\/span><\/span>. We offer a full spectrum of non-surgical treatments to help you stay active:<\/span><\/p>
Injections for Pain Relief:<\/span><\/b> For acute flares, <\/span>Inyecciones de cortisona<\/span><\/a><\/b> provide rapid but temporary relief<\/span><\/span>. <\/span>To lubricate the joint and relieve symptoms for 6\u201312 months, we also provide <\/span>Inyecciones de \u00e1cido hialur\u00f3nico<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/li>
Regenerative Medicine:<\/span><\/b> We utilize <\/span>Terapia PRP<\/span><\/a><\/b> to stimulate healing, which may help slow the loss of cartilage in patients with <\/span>Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)<\/span><\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/li>
Supportive IV Therapies:<\/span><\/b> To reduce systemic inflammation, we offer <\/span>Terapia intravenosa antiinflamatoria<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/span>. <\/span>Additionally, you can visit our page on <\/span>IV NAD+ Therapy<\/span><\/a><\/b> to learn how it supports cellular energy and mitochondrial health<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/li>
Bracing:<\/span><\/b> In specific cases, <\/span>Rodilleras de descarga<\/span><\/a><\/b> can be used to redistribute weight and reduce pressure on the damaged joint compartment<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When Surgery May Be Considered<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Surgery is reserved for patients with severe osteoarthritis (Grade\u00a04) who have failed comprehensive non\u2011surgical management and have significant pain or functional limitations. Options include:<\/p>
Arthroscopic debridement \u2013 a surgeon uses a fiberoptic instrument to remove bone spurs, cysts, damaged lining or loose fragments in the joint.<\/li>
Osteotomy \u2013 the bones are realigned to take pressure off the damaged compartment.<\/li>
Joint fusion \u2013 eliminates the joint by fusing bones together; most commonly performed in the spine, hand or foot.<\/li>
Joint replacement \u2013 removing damaged bone and creating an artificial joint (total joint replacement or arthroplasty).<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Living Well with DJD<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Degenerative joint disease is chronic but doesn\u2019t have to define your life. These habits and monitoring strategies help maintain function and reduce pain:<\/p>
Daily habits:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>
Engage in low\u2011impact exercise (150\u00a0minutes per week) such as walking, swimming or cycling.<\/li>
Stretch daily to maintain flexibility.<\/li>
Use assistive devices (cane, brace, walker) when needed to reduce joint stress.<\/li>
Listen to your body \u2013 modify activities before pain escalates.<\/li>
Stay socially active \u2013 connection reduces perception of pain.<\/li><\/ul>
Long\u2011term monitoring:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>
Schedule annual check\u2011ups to assess progression and adjust treatment.<\/li>
Repeat imaging every 1\u20132\u00a0years or sooner if symptoms change.<\/li>
Maintain bone health through adequate calcium, vitamin\u00a0D and weight\u2011bearing exercise.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Could You Be Our Next Success Story?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you\u2019re ready to uncover the root cause of your joint pain and start your healing journey, schedule your first appointment today. Visit our New Patient Forms, learn more about what to expect here, or call us at 704-833-3566 to speak with our team. We\u2019re here to help you take the first step toward relief and wellness.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Is degenerative joint disease the same as osteoarthritis? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Yes. The terms are used interchangeably.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Can DJD be reversed? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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No, but progression can be slowed and symptoms managed with early intervention and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Does exercise make DJD worse? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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No. Appropriate low\u2011impact exercise strengthens muscles, improves stability and reduces pain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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What\u2019s the best diet for DJD? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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An anti\u2011inflammatory diet rich in omega\u20113s (fatty fish, walnuts), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) and phytonutrients (turmeric, ginger). Avoid excess sugar and processed foods.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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How effective is PRP for DJD? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Studies show PRP can reduce pain and improve function for 6\u201312\u00a0months, especially in mild to moderate knee OA; it may also slow cartilage loss.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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How often can I get hyaluronic acid injections? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Typically every 6\u201312\u00a0months, depending on the product and your response.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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When should I consider joint replacement? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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When non\u2011surgical options have failed and pain significantly impacts daily activities (e.g., can\u2019t walk more than a block or sleep comfortably).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Can I prevent DJD if it runs in my family? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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You can\u2019t change your genes, but maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding joint injuries, staying active and controlling inflammation reduce your risk.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Does glucosamine work? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Evidence is mixed; some patients experience benefit while others don\u2019t. It\u2019s generally safe to try for 3\u00a0months.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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How do I get started with a DJD treatment plan? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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Call our office or book online to schedule a consultation. We\u2019ll assess your stage, identify modifiable risk factors and create a personalized plan.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Fuentes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Explore these authoritative sources for more in-depth information on Osteoarthritis and treatment standards:<\/p>
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons<\/b> \u2013 Osteoarthritis of the Knee<\/i> Visit OrthoInfo by AAOS<\/a><\/p><\/li>
Arthritis Foundation<\/b> \u2013 Osteoarthritis Treatment Guidelines<\/i> View Treatment Guidelines<\/a><\/p><\/li>
Mayo Clinic<\/b> \u2013 Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment<\/i> Read Clinical Overview<\/a><\/p><\/li>
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal<\/b> \u2013 Kellgren\u2013Lawrence Grading System Study<\/i> Access Research Paper (DOI)<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease: Prevention and Treatment Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 33 million U.S. adults. It develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones begins to break down, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Although OA was once thought […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4481,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_primary_category":1,"two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,129,97,86],"tags":[131,28,130,49,57,36],"class_list":["post-4470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-conditions-we-treat","category-patient-success-experience","category-regenerative-medicine","tag-hyaluronic-acid","tag-joint-pain-relief","tag-non-surgical-treatments","tag-osteoarthritis","tag-prp-therapy","tag-regenerative-medicine"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4470"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4558,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4470\/revisions\/4558"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jointhealthsolutions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}