I can really sympathize, as I have severe osteoarthritis (which is most likely "the degenerative joint disease" your doctor referred to) and neuropathy in my feet due to chemotherapy. Rather than Tylenol, may I recommend ibuprofen or buffered aspirin (if you can tolerate it). You need something that helps reduce inflammation. Tylenol doesn't do that.

Recently, I had a cortisone shot in the affected joint. It's not fun to get it, but the benefits can last for many weeks or even many months. The benefit is that it works immediately, by getting right to the spot where you have the problem.

The problem with osteoarthritis is that the padding & fluid provided by your bursae is eventually eradicated. The cartilage between the opposing joints gets worn away, and you wind up with bone rubbing against bone. Which is extremely painful.

The way to diagnose osteoarthritis is through X-rays of the affected joint(s). In my case, after years of pain I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle problems. The X-rays taken were taken by his staff, with me standing on the weight-bearing joints rather than lying down on a table in the X-ray department.

Since my diagnosis, my choices have become rather clearer and I am much more able to cope. Good luck!