What does DJD mean in HEALTHCARE

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a chronic condition involving the deterioration of joints in the body. It is most commonly caused by age-related wear and tear on the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to the development of pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms of DJD include increased joint pain during activities that involve weight bearing, such as walking or climbing stairs; difficulty sleeping due to uncomfortable joint positions; and morning stiffness of the affected area.

The primary cause of DJD is unknown however it is commonly associated with aging and wear and tear on joints from overuse. Other potential causes include genetics, traumatic injuries, obesity, prolonged periods without exercise, and certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Depending on which joints are affected by DJD, there can be a number of complications including impaired mobility due to decreased range-of-motion, muscle weakness due to an inability to properly use affected joints properly leading to functional limitation, deformity in shape of the affected joint(s), decreased quality-of-life due to related pain or depression caused by difficulty performing everyday tasks. Seeking early treatment for DJD can help minimize these complications.

A diagnosis for DJD will begin with a discussion between you and your doctor regarding your medical history as well as an examination of your physical findings such as range-of-motion tests or imaging studies like X-rays. Further evaluation may require additional laboratory tests such as blood work or arthroscopy with biopsy if indicated. Ultimately, once all factors have been evaluated a diagnosis can be made.

Yes! Treatment for DJD depends on many factors including severity of symptoms as well as overall health status. Common treatments include lifestyle modifications – such as maintaining a healthy weight – physical therapy to increase range-of-motion and strengthen muscles around the affected joint(s), medications like nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs), injections into the affected area into alleviate pain or breakdown scar tissue buildup in the area; and surgery if required depending on severity.

Progression of symptoms can be minimized when applying self care measures at home and being aware of how posture might affect your comfort throughout the day when seated at your desk at work or when engaging in other daily activities that involve movement/flexing certain joints in your body. Additionally exercising regularly – within tolerable limits based on advice from your doctor – can help keep joints strong while strengthening supporting muscles consequently allowing them bear more weight properly.

In order reduce further progression it’s important avoid strenuous activities that put too much strain on weakened muscles/joints in order avoid furthering damage causing increased pain/discomfort when engaging in everyday tasks where physical exertion isn't necessarily required.