Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ø  Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

l  most common form of arthritis

l  degeneration and wearing away of the articular cartilage à exposing bone

l  males and females are affected equally

l  predisposing factors

-       age

-       continual exposure of joints to trauma, as in sports

-       inherited predisposition

Ø  Symptoms

-       no general symptoms

-       often affects only one large weight-bearing joint, such as hip, spine, or knee

-       joint pain occurs often after exercise or weight bearing

-       pain often relieved by rest

-       can be morning stiffness, aches during weather changes

-       limited movement

-       fluid accumulation

Ø  Prevention

-       sensible exercise routines

-       avoidance of activities that cause constant stress

Ø  Treatment

-       pain relievers

-       rest

-       surgery to correct deformity or replace joint

-       weight loss if overweight

Ø  PT:

-       modalities to relieve pain

-       posture training

-       ROM and strengthening exercises, pool therapy

-       gait training, possibly with assistive devices

-       splints or orthotics for joint protection