The Musculoskeletal System

What are the 4 main components of the musculoskeletal system?

Bones, muscles, joints, connective tissue

How many bones are in the human body?

206 bones

What are the three types of muscle in the human body?

Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle

What is the primary function of ligaments?

Hold bone to bone

What is the function of tendons?

Hold muscle to bone

What is the function of cartilage?

protect the end of long bones at the joints

Where is the meniscus found and what is its function?

knee joints. Protects the knee bones from the pressure of body weight

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain is a stretch of a ligament and a strain is a stretch of a tendon or muscle

What is the first-line treatment for low back pain?

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs

What is the cause for gout and how does it lead to joint pain?

gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood which then forms crystals that lead to pain

How is uric acid produced in the body?

when the body breaks down purines

what are tophi?

lumps of uric acid under the skin

what are the two main reasons of high uric acid levels?

too much uric acid or not getting rid of enough uric acid

what are the common risk factors for developing gout?

age, males, high blood pressure, overweight, alcohol, purine-rich foods

which medications can increase uric acid levels?

thiazide diuretics and low dose aspirin

how long do typical goat attacks last if untreated?

10 days

what non-drug therapy is recommended to reduce the sick of future goat attacks?

losing weight, no consume alcohol, low purine food

what are the three main (short term) types of medications used during an acute gout attack?

colchicine, NSAIDs, corticosteroids

what important warning is given with colchicine use?

avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice and drink plenty of water

what are common side effects of colchicine?

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

what is a common side effect of NSAIDs?

Stomach upset or ulcers

when are corticosteroid used for gout?

when pts have contradictions to NSAIDs or colchicine

who should receive daily medication to prevent gout attacks?

patients with frequent attacks, chronic kidney disease, tophi, kidney stones

what is the common dosing of colchicine for an acute attack?

2 tablets at the first sign then 1 tablet one hour later

what is an important label for NSAIDs?

take with food

what is recommended when starting XOIs to prevent flare ups?

a low dose + an anti-inflammatory medication