NURS 308 - Osteoarthritis

no - inflammation is seen only with synovitis

does osteoarthritis cause chronic inflammation of the joints?

the breakdown of cartilage

synovitis from osteoarthritis is due to _____, and is a temporary condition

primary osteoarthritis

idiopathic osteoarthritis, has an unknown cause - mainly occurs because the joints are moving parts and they tend to wear out

secondary osteoarthritis

osteoarthritis with a known cause - usually caused by an injury or event that damages the cartilage or causes joint instability (ex. meniscus tears, muscle injuries, infection in a joint)

40

*may be seen before age 40, but generally in athletes that do high impact sports

cartilage destruction can begin early in life, but the majority of patients with osteoarthritis are affected by age _____

trauma - aging - genetics - obesity - muscle weakness

risk factors of osteoarthritis:

obesity

a modifiable risk factor of osteoarthritis:

moderate exercise - low impact aerobics & muscle strengthening

*it is not proven that high intensity exercise always results in osteoarthritis, but many athletes that do repetitive high intensity movements have it

what type of exercise decreases the risk of developing osteoarthritis because it strengthens the muscles that provide support to the joints?

deep achy joint pain that is worse with motion - limitation of range of motion - crepitation with motion - joint stiffness after periods of rest lasting less than 30 min - heberden’s & bouchard’s nodules

*only local manifestations

clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis:

the patient experiences pain during activity, leading them to worry that they will have pain, so they avoid activity overall. avoiding activity leads to a deterioration in their physical condition, leading to instability of the joints and inability to carry their load

why is osteoarthritis one of the leading causes of disability?

maintain and improve joint function to prevent disability

what is the main focus for a patient with osteoarthritis?

only for acute synovitis, but for no longer than 1 week

*the longer the joint remains immobilized, the harder it will be for them to move the joint again

should you immobilize the joints with splints or braces for a patient with osteoarthritis?

yes - use assistive devices to decrease joint stress

*explain to the patient that using it will help them to maintain mobility and independence

should patients with osteoarthritis use assistive devices?

25

*losing weight decreases stress on the joints. for every 1 pound loss, you reduce the stress on the knee by 4 pounds

weight reduction is crucial for a patient with osteoarthritis if their BMI is > _____

heat

heat or cold therapy? - improves blood flow to injury

heat

heat or cold therapy? - relieves stiffness, helps to make the joint more mobile for activity

heat

heat or cold therapy? - often used prior to activity when the patient has joint stiffness

cold

heat or cold therapy? - slows down blood flow to injury

cold

heat or cold therapy? - used for bruised or swollen areas and pain

cold

heat or cold therapy? - may help with inflammation from synovitis

cold

heat or cold therapy? - often used after periods of activity when the patient has joint pain