Degenerative Joint Disease

As we all know, there are hundreds of medically diagnosed diseases. Ranging from skeletal, muscular, pulmonary, neurological, integumentary, autoimmune, blood borne, etc. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is one of the many diseases pertaining to the skeletal system. You may have also heard of osteoarthritis, wear and tear arthritis, or degenerative arthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis. Degenerative joint disease is unique and dangerous. DJD can be caused by injury to a joint, or can silently develop over time. Over 27 million Americans ages 25 and up have Degenerative Joint Disease, 1 out of 3 Americans 65 or older, this is a scary, 14% of all Americans! This disease does not care if you are male or female, although before
This is a chronic a progressive medical condition. Our joints are covered with cartilage, when this thick rubber like protection wears down; the bone becomes exposed, causing friction of bones. During this process inflammation and swelling can cause severe pain. In severe cases the bone grinds on one another causing fragments to break and chip away. This can be caused by a number of variables, or simply by an injury to a joint. Torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries are often injury’s that can lead to osteoarthritis. In some cases this can be a genetic defect in joint cartilage, affecting the young. Anything allowing physical stress on a joint, such as a job, receptive motion or obesity can cause the joint cartilage to deteriorate; age alone can put you at risk. Degenerative joint disease has no cure, depending on the severity; there are a few options to lessen the symptoms. Physical exercise, weight loss, and stretching are all helpful lifestyle contributions. Many people try soothing home remedies; applying ice packs or a heat packs can reduce inflammation and swelling. There are many different types of menthol rub that can be applied topically; a few popular brands are Vicks VapoRub or Mentholatum
Prescription medication such as anti-inflammatory’s, (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Aleve) or pain relievers such as (Tramadol and Tylenol) are only band aids. This silent disease is the leading cause of disability in Americans today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 80% of patients diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, have experienced change in their mobility. One quarter of these people cannot participate in daily activities, playing with their children, bathing putting shoes on, etc. With this information, it is never too late to start protecting the cartilage in your joints, by changing some life habits and being aware of the hidden dangers of Degenerative Joint Disease. Let’s spread the word, and save a joint