October 1st, 2015

Degenerative Joint Disease in Cape May: Your Road to Relief

Do you suffer from the pain of

degenerative joint disease in Cape May?This common condition, also known as osteoarthritis or “wear and tear arthritis”, is the most common form of joint disorders, occurring most commonly in the hands, knees, hips, and/or spine.At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, our orthopaedic experts understand the effect that this condition can have on patients like you.We offer the guidance and treatment options that can help patients with degenerative joint disease in Cape May find relief.

Understanding Your Condition

“Wear and tear arthritis” is a helpful name for osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease because it offers a simple explanation of what happens in this condition. Over the course of a lifetime, cartilage simply wears away, causing bone to rub against bone in a painful way. Typically, the erosion of cartilage occurs later on in life. The most frequent cause of osteoarthritis is genetics.

Although pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis, patients also notice stiffness or swelling of the joints with this condition. These symptoms tend to worsen with activity, although in the most severe cases, they may even occur at night and impede the patient’s ability to sleep.

Treatment Options Available

Although the erosion of osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, there are still a number of treatment options available for patients with degenerative joint disease in Cape May. Treatment options may include:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical or occupational therapy
Cortisone injections
Bone realignment surgery
Joint replacement surgery

Before beginning any of the above treatments, your doctor will take the time to evaluate your particular condition, overall health, and your needs. Based on this information, she or he will work to create a plan to treat your symptoms. Typically, treatment plans will begin with more conservative options such as medication or therapy before moving toward surgical options if necessary.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Can Help

For those suffering from degenerative joint disease in Cape May, help is available close to home. At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, you will find specialized orthopaedic doctors and surgeons who can provide patients like you with experienced and compassionate care. As a leading orthopaedic provider, we use state-of-the-art research-based methods to provide every patient with the highest quality care.

To make an appointment with a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute doctor, please call our offices today at 1.800.321.9999.