What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
10. Treatment
Degenerative joint disease cannot be cured – the cartilage lost cannot be regenerated. However, the condition can be treated to help make the patient more comfortable. This will often involve changes in lifestyle such as having the patient lose weight.
Medication can also be used to help reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy is used to get the joint and surrounding areas to move as efficiently as possible. Hot and cold compresses can also help, while therapy can also be beneficial. Some patients will get access to certain devices that can help make things easier for them. Surgery is necessary in a small number of cases, and this can mean completely replacing the joint with an artificial one.
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