Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease is a type of arthritis that occurs when the tissue at the ends of bones wears down. This condition can be caused by repeated trauma or surgery to joints, abnormal joints at birth, gout, other types of arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and hormone disorders. Degenerative joint disease, which is also referred to as osteoarthritis (OA), is a common wear-and-tear disease that occurs when the cartilage in the joints deteriorates. This condition can affect any joint but is most common in knees, hands, hips, and spine.