Osteoarthritis Causes and Interventions

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Table of Contents

Summary
Causes and Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment Plan
Interventions
Patient Education
References

Summary

The musculoskeletal system has crucial functions such as body support, internal organs protection, facilitation of movement, and blood cell formation. However, various orthopedic conditions can negatively impact the way the system works. As a result, an individual with any orthopedic disorder may have trouble executing their daily activities. Osteoarthritis is one of the diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis, which causes inflammation and pain in joints. The condition is common among middle-aged and older adults and worsens over time, breaking down joint cartilages (Mobasheri & Batt, 2016). Any joint in the body is vulnerable to the disease; however, knees, hands, spine, and hips are the most affected. The disorder is classifiable as primary or secondary osteoarthritis. While there is no known cause of primary osteoarthritis, the other group of illnesses is associated with deformity, injury, other diseases, and infection. Osteoarthritis starts with the joint’s cartilage breakdown, leading to the thickening of the bone ends and the formation of bony growths (bone spurs) and fluid-filled cysts. The former and the latter can significantly limit the movement of the affected joint. The disease’s risk factors include heredity, extra weight, being old and a female, and injuries (Mobasheri & Batt, 2016). Such genetic problems as too loose joints or those with defects can lead to osteoarthritis. Being obese or overweight exerts more pressure on joints such as knees over time, leading to orthopedic disorder. Severe injury to the knees due to misuse or overuse can lead to osteoarthritis.

Signs and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis may present signs and symptoms similar to those of other health conditions. However, typical physical assessment findings include joint pain and stiffness (Mobasheri & Batt, 2016). Notably, pain, especially after inactivity or overuse of a joint, is the most common disease symptom. An individual with osteoarthritis experiences stiffness when they remain inactive for some time or after sleep. Reduced joints and grinding feeling when they are moved and swelling are other indicators that a person has osteoarthritis. The signs are associated with the breaking down and wearing of cartilages.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan for osteoarthritis focuses on relieving the symptoms, improving patients’ ability to move, and allowing them to remain active. Jönsson et al. (2019) indicate that chronic orthopedic condition has variable outcomes over time. Its signs can improve, stay the same, or worsen gradually as time goes by depending on the modification of contributing factors (Deveza, 2019). The treatment plan is tailored based on the joint’s pain severity and stiffness, the affected joint, and the number of difficulties one has with their daily activities.

Interventions

Osteoarthritis is manageable using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and in worst cases, surgical procedures. The disease’s common pharmacotherapies include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and glucocorticoid injections (Jönsson et al., 2019). NSAIDs such as topical capsaicin are applied on the skin over the affected joint with insignificant side effects, while others such as ibuprofen and naproxen are orally administered. Acetaminophen is not effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain and is associated with side effects, particularly liver damage (Deveza, 2019). Doctors recommend glucocorticoid injections for people who are unresponsive to other medications. Non-pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis include physical therapy and exercises, weight loss, and the use of assistive devices and orthoses.

Patient Education

Healthcare providers should educate patients about osteoarthritis, focusing on causes, risk factors, symptoms, and possible interventions to manage the condition. Knowing the origin and aspects that increase the possibility of contracting the illness can help people lead healthy life (Deveza, 2019). Additionally, when they are aware of the disease’s signs, they can seek treatment before it worsens. Learning about treatments can help patients actively participate in their care and know the way they can manage the illness when doctors and nurses are not around.

References

Deveza, L. A. (2019). Overview of the management of osteoarthritis. UpToDate. Web.

Jönsson, T., Eek, F., Dell’Isola, A., Dahlberg, L., & Ekvall Hansson, E. (2019). The better management of patients with osteoarthritis program: Outcomes after evidence-based education and exercise delivered nationwide in Sweden. PLOS ONE, 14(9), e0222657. Web.

Mobasheri, A., & Batt, M. (2016). An update on the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 59(5-6), 333–339. Web.

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