This serious, painful condition is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any joint. Show
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Historically, osteoarthritis (OA) was known as a “wear and tear” condition, generally associated with aging. But we know now that it is a disease of the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat and the tissues lining the joint (the synovium). Osteoarthritis can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. OA can affect any joint, but typically affects hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck. Its signs and symptoms typically show up more often in individuals over age 50, but OA can affect much younger people, too, especially those who have had a prior joint injury, such as a torn ACL or meniscus. It typically develops slowly over time, but after such an injury, it can develop much more rapidly, within just a few years. OA is not an inevitable aging disease; some people never develop it. There is no cure for OA, but there are ways to manage OA to minimize pain, continue physical activities, maintain a good quality of life and remain mobile. Causes Factors that may contribute to the development of OA include
Symptoms Symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly. They include
OA may affect different parts of the body in different ways.
Potential Consequences Pain, reduced mobility, side effects from medications and other factors associated with osteoarthritis can lead to health complications that are not caused by the disease itself. Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Disease Painful joints, especially in the feet, ankles, knees, hip or back, make it harder to exercise. But physical activity is not only key to managing OA symptoms, it also can help prevent weight gain, which can lead to obesity. Being overweight or obese can lead to the development of high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Falls Research indicates people with OA experience more falls and risk of fracture than those without OA. Although study results vary, some research shows they may have up to 30% more falls and have a 20% greater risk of fracture. Having OA can decrease function, weaken muscles, affect overall balance, and make falls more likely, especially among those with OA in knees or hips. Side effects from pain medications, such as dizziness, can also contribute to falls. Diagnosis Medical history, a physical examination and lab tests help to make up the OA diagnosis. A primary care doctor may be the first person you talk to about joint pain. The doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, how the pain affects activities, as well as your medical problems and medication use. He or she will also look at and move your joints, and may order imaging. These tests help to make the diagnosis:
Treatment There is no cure for OA, but medication, assistive devices and other therapies that don’t involve drugs can help to ease pain. As a last resort, a damaged joint may be surgically fused or replaced with one made of a combination of metal, plastic and/or ceramic. Medications Pain and anti-inflammatory medicines for osteoarthritis are available as pills, syrups, patches, gels, creams or injectables. They include:
Nondrug Therapies Exercise Movement is an essential part of an OA treatment plan. Getting 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week should be the goal, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A good exercise program to fight OA pain and stiffness has four parts:
Talk to a doctor or physical therapist before starting a new exercise program. Weight Loss Excess weight puts additional force and stress on weight-bearing joints, including the hips, knees, ankles, feet and back, and fat cells promote inflammation. Losing extra weight helps reduce pain and slow joint damage. Every pound of weight lost removes four pounds of pressure on lower-body joints. Physical Therapies and Assistive Devices
Surgery Joint surgery can improve pain and function. Joint replacement surgery replaces damaged joints to restore mobility and relieve pain. Hips and knees are the joints most commonly replaced. An orthopedic surgeon can determine the best procedure based on how badly damaged the joint is. Self-Care Practicing these habits can slow down OA, keep you healthier overall and delay surgery as long as possible. It is important to pursue a number of different self-care approaches simultaneously. They are listed below. Maintain a Healthy Weight Excess weight worsens OA. Combine healthy eating with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Control Blood Sugar Many people have diabetes and OA. Having high glucose levels can make cartilage stiffer and more likely to break down. Having diabetes causes inflammation, which also weakens cartilage. Maintain Range of Motion Movement is medicine for joints. Make a habit of putting your joints through their full range of motion, but only up to the point where it doesn’t cause more pain. Gentle stretching, raising and lowering legs from a standing or seated position, daily walks and hobbies such as gardening can help. But listen to your body and never push too hard. Protect Joints Make sure to warm up and cool down when doing exercise. If you play sports, protects joints with the right gear. Use your largest, strongest joints for lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying. Watch your step to prevent falls. Balance rest and activity throughout the day. Relax Find ways to reduce or avoid stress through meditation, listening to music, connecting with friends and family, doing fun activities, and finding ways to relax and recharge. Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Eating healthy food, balanced nutrition, not smoking, drinking in moderation and getting good sleep will help you to feel your best. Get help making self-care goals and tracking your progress with the free Vim app. Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis? Get the latest news and tips about living with OA in the Living Your Yes! e-newsletter. Which nonpharmacologic intervention does the nurse suggest to a patient with osteoarthritis?PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Physical activity and weight management are essential therapies for the management of OA. Physical activity improves pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with OA.
Which medication is considered the primary drug of choice for treatment for a patient with osteoarthritis OA )?At present, acetaminophen (up to 4,000 mg/daily) is the recommended initial analgesic of choice for symptomatic OA. ( ACR Guidelines-Guidelines for Medical Management of OA of the knee) However, many patients eventually require NSAIDs or more potent analgesics to control pain.
What is the difference between Arthritis & osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis is a so-called mechanical condition characterized by the gradual wearing down of cartilage in the joints. Aging is the most common risk factor for osteoarthritis. Arthritis, on the other hand, is not caused by the normal wear and tear of bones.
Which information about a patient would indicate an increased risk for developing osteoarthritis?Age—The risk of developing OA increases with age. Gender—Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50. Obesity—Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress increases the risk of OA in that joint.
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