At the Bone & Joint Institute, our collaborative team of orthopedic specialists and rheumatology sub-specialists can help you diagnose and treat the many forms of arthritis successfully.
Arthritis is a chronic illness that can cause great pain. Many people with arthritis can be treated with pain medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medicines to prevent disease progression, depending on the type and severity of their symptoms.
When arthritis pain does not improve with conservative measures, then orthopedic surgery can be an option, such as total joint replacement of the hip or knee. It’s important to have experienced orthopedic specialists and the expertise of board certified rheumatologists on your side. The Bone & Joint Institute offers a dedicated collaborative team of arthritis specialists, the latest medical treatments and the most successful surgical options available.
What is Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)?
Degenerative joint diseases (DJDs) are chronic conditions often resulting in pain and the loss of an active lifestyle and quality of life. There are different types of DJD that can affect the joints, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA), in which cartilage wears down over time
- Post-traumatic arthritis, which results from a severe fracture or dislocation of the hip
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory arthritis of the joints
- Avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition where the “ball” or femoral head of the hip joint has lost a healthy supply of blood flow causing the bone to die and the femoral head becomes misshaped
- Hip dysplasia, a condition where bones around the hip joint did not form properly, which may cause misalignment of the hip joint
What Causes Degenerative Joint Disease?
The risk of developing symptomatic degenerative joint disease is influenced by multiple factors such as age, gender and inherited traits that can affect the shape and stability of your joints. Other factors can include:
- A previous injury
- Repetitive joint strain
- Improper joint alignment
- Being overweight
- Exercise or sports-generated stress placed on the joint