Treatment for degenerative joint disease also concerns certain medications and surgery. Pain medications such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs can be used to reduce the discomfort brought by pain.Steroids can as well be injected to the joint area the decrease pain and swelling.reatment for degenerative joint disease also concerns certain medications and surgery. Pain medications such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs can be used to reduce the discomfort brought by pain.