osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
Difinition
Osteoarthritis is a chronic non- inflammatory degenerative joint disease in which there is proggressive loss of articular bearing joints for example hip, knees and vertebral column.Smaller joints that are usually affected are those of the fingers. It is more common in advancing age in people from 40- 60 years and over
risk factors
Congenital anatomical abnormalities of the joint
Advancing age
Previous joint injury or surgery
Genetic predisposition
causes
There may be an observable deformity
There maybe a history of an injury or surgery in the affected joint
There maybe wear and tear in the articular cartilage experienced with age
genetic predisposition
Clinical manifestations
stiffness and pain
Limitation of mobility mostly experienced in the morning
On physical examination, there maybe snowball crunching sound in the affected joint
deformities and nodules
pathophysiology
There is a deterioration of the articular cartilage, and a decrease in the synovium that lubricates the joint.Friction between the two ends increases resulting in pain, stiffness of the joint and compromised mobility.With age, as the supporting structures around the joint become lax, stability of the joint is also affected and joints slip, and there is uneven wearing off of the cartilage edges.This also contribute to arthritis.
nursing management
Pain management. immobilisation of the joint, application of moist heat or cold to relieve pain.
Diversional therapy, and isometric and isotonic exercises to strengthen the muscles of the affected joints to relieve pain and prevent further injuries.
Analgesics and anti- inflammatory medications can be given as prescribed
Referral to other health professionals such as the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and social worker.
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Health education
Educate the patient regarding weight reduction, accepting the disease and incorporating it into his/ her lifestyle, achieving a balance between rest and activity.