Lower Extremities

Degenerative joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease, better known as osteoarthritis, is caused by a wear and tear of articular cartilage usually followed by an overgrowth of bone where the cartilage was.
Degenerative joint disease is very common and almost everyone will get it somewhere on their body to some degree in their lifetime.    
Overuse, heredity, and injury or fractures around a joint are common factors of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms include joint stiffness followed by pain. Swelling and tenderness around the area can also be present.  Symptoms are often worse in the afternoon then in the morning.

Treatment
Regular physical activity helps strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments and will help preserve mobility of the joint.