Degenerative Diseases

About

Degenerative Diseases

What are Degenerative orthopedic diseases?

Degenerative diseases affect the joints, spine, and cartilage due to wear and tear over time. These conditions are progressive, meaning they worsen slowly, often leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

The most common degenerative orthopedic condition is osteoarthritis, but the category also includes degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and cartilage breakdown.

Are Degenerative diseases common?

Very. They are one of the leading causes of disability among adults over age 50.

Causes

Degenerative changes occur due to:

  • Natural aging
  • Repeated stress on joints
  • Previous injuries
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Poor posture or biomechanics
  • Loss of cartilage with time

With Insurance

Orthopedics

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up

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Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Aching or sharp joint pain
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Difficulty moving the joint
  • Swelling
  • Grinding or clicking sensation
  • Back or neck pain (in spine degeneration)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve:

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays to assess joint space narrowing or bone spurs
  • MRI to evaluate cartilage and spinal discs
  • CT scans for complex cases
  • Joint fluid analysis (for ruling out infection or gout)

Treatment

Treatment focuses on symptom relief and slowing disease progression:

Non-surgical methods:

  • Weight management
  • Physical therapy and strengthening
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Assistive devices (cane, brace, orthotics)
  • Joint injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid)

Surgery:

  • Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
  • Spine decompression surgery
  • Arthroscopy for cartilage issues

Although degenerative diseases cannot be reversed, proper management greatly improves quality of life.

References

  • NHS — Osteoarthritis (overview, symptoms, treatment). 
  • Review: “Degenerative osteoarthritis — (PMC / literature review).
Dr. Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH

Dr. Siddiqui is the Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U responsible for clinical and technical program development as well as maintaining a thriving telemedicine practice in infectious diseases which includes specialized care of Hepatitis and HIV.

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Affordable – with or without insurance

With Insurance

Orthopedics

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$169
Initial Visit
$109
Follow Up