Can my local primary care doctor treat degenerative joint disease?

Yes: Yes. Degenerative joint disease or 'wear and tear' of the joints responds well to anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or naproxen.

PCP and DJD: Probably your primary care doc could give you some medications to help. Naproxin or the like in the anti-inflamatory family may help. Depending how far it has gone they can refer you to a reputable surgeon for a surgical opinion.