Degenerative joint disease (D.J.D.) is also known as osteoarthritis. DJD is a degeneration of the joint surface resulting from wear and tear over many years. This process usually manifests itself after age fifty, however it may begin sooner if there is a history of injury to the joint. When exposed to abnormal or chronic forces, the cartilage surfaces deteriorate by softening fissuring, fragmenting and finally dissolving away. The underlying exposed bone is then subjected to greatly increased stress resulting in pain, swelling and gradual loss of joint function. Custom Foot Orthotics can help this condition by altering the contact forces within the joint, thereby unloading the damaged areas.
