Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease

Condition

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Don’t let stiff, painful joints hold you back.

Living with arthritis or another form of degenerative joint disease (DJD) can make everyday activities — like walking, climbing stairs, or even opening a jar — more difficult than they should be. But joint pain isn’t just a “normal part of aging” that you have to accept. There are effective treatments that can help.

At the Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, our specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals. Then we work with you to create a customized care plan — whether that means lifestyle changes, medication, therapy, or surgery.

Understanding degenerative joint disease.

There are several types of degenerative joint disease, each affecting your joints in different ways. 

Risk factors include age, excess weight, gender, joint injuries or misalignment, and repetitive strain — especially on the hips and knees.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): When protective cartilage wears down over time.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Caused by prior trauma, such as a fracture
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation.
  • Avascular necrosis (AVN): Most often in the hip, where loss of blood supply causes bone tissue to die and become misshapen.

Treatment options that fit your lifestyle.

While arthritis is a chronic condition, there are many ways to manage symptoms, protect your joints, and improve your quality of life. Treatment plans often include a mix of nonsurgical and surgical options.

Nonsurgical Treatments

  • Lifestyle changes: Weight management, rest or adjusting activities to reduce stress on joints.
  • Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease pain and swelling. Corticosteroid injections may provide more powerful, short-term relief. In some cases, viscosupplementation injections can help restore the joint’s natural lubrication.
  • Therapy: Physical and occupational therapy can improve flexibility, build strength and make daily tasks easier.
  • Supportive devices: Braces, splints, canes, crutches or walkers can provide stability and reduce pain while moving.

Surgical Treatments

  • Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged cartilage, bone spurs, or loose fragments.
  • Osteotomy: Realigning bones to shift pressure away from the affected joint.
  • Joint replacement: Replacing part or all of a damaged joint with a durable artificial joint.
  • Joint fusion: Permanently joining bones together to eliminate pain in severely damaged joints.

A team by your side.

No matter which treatment path is right for you, our care team will guide you through every step — explaining your options, answering your questions, and supporting you before, during, and after treatment.

Ready for the next step?

Call now to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Call 833.286.7846