Treating Degenerative Joint Disease in Northern New Jersey
Over time, the cartilage in our joints deteriorates, and when this happens, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. Degenerative joint disease needs a medical diagnosis before you can start treatment, but as soon as you have your diagnosis, you’re one step closer to managing that pain. At Bergen Pain Management, our team is led by board-certified Dr. Thomas Ragukonis, and we’re standing by to help you pinpoint the root cause of your pain and provide a personalized treatment plan to patients across Northern New Jersey.
Causes And Symptoms Of Degenerative Joint Disease
Commonly known as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease is a type of arthritis classified by age-related wear and tear of the joints. The onset of this condition is caused by the deterioration of joints, causing your bones to rub up against one another. If you’re suffering from degenerative joint disease, you’ll likely be experiencing these symptoms:
- Depending on the afflicted joints, you’ll experience pain in the hands, hip, knee, lower back, or neck area.
- The pain will occasionally be brought on by the weather.
- Joint pain will grow to be severe.
- Your joints may swell, bringing on sensations of stiffness or tenderness.
- You may find bony growths on your fingers or toes.
- If untreated for too long, the pain may cause you to limp.
Degenerative joint disease is typically found in older patients, as the cartilage between joints naturally breaks down with age.
Diagnosing And Treating Degenerative Joint Disease
Using a combination of testing methods, including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and bone scans, Dr. Thomas Ragukonis can provide you with the diagnosis you need to start degenerative joint disease treatment. There are also a series of minimally invasive tests, like fluid removal from an affected joint and arthroscopy, which help us to correctly diagnose your condition.
From there, treatment will typically consist of non-surgical options to improve joint flexibility and pain management tools. You may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and instructed to use a hot and cold compress on the affected joints. Engaging low-impact exercises that strengthen the joints, as well as other non-surgical treatments, can be discussed with Dr. Ragukonis.