What does "Degenerative joint disease" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common type of arthritis that happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. It can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. The disease tends to get worse over time, hence the term 'degenerative'.
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