Diseases and Conditions: Osteoarthritis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Osteoarthritis is an :

• inflammation of weight bearing joints.
• degenerative joint disease (hips and knees).
• overused joints resulting to "wear and tear" of the cartilage
• cartilage deterioration and breakdown
• common in obese and old people

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Idiopathic
  
• excessive use of a specific joints
• repeated joint injury
• old age and obesity

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• pain in motion
• pain increases with activity
• joint stiffness and immobility
• shortening of extremities
  
• Heberdens Nodes - bony nodules on distal finger joints
• Bouchard's Node

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis - X-ray

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

• Analgesics
• rest (best management)
• hot moist pack
• Paraffin wax (brushing technique)

Nursing Goals of Osteoarthritis

• to relieve pain
• to prevent further stress of joints (plan ADL or activity of daily living)
• to maintain regular exercise

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