BY KRYSTAL FIELD OSTEOARTHRITIS
CONTENTS
1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………….. page 1
2. What is osteoarthritis …………………………………………………………………….. page 1
3. Who is at risk…………………………………………………………………………………. page 3
4. Which parts of the body does it affect…………………………………………... page 3
5. The affect it can have on a person………………………………………………….. page 3
6. How do doctors diagnose osteoarthritis …………………………………………. page 4
7. Treatment…………………………………………………………………………………………page 5
8. Who helps care for someone with osteoarthritis………………………….…. page 4
9. Prevention…………….………………………………………………………………………… page 6
10. How one may use kinesiology with osteoarthritis ………………………….. page 7
11. Conclusion……………………………………………………………….……………………… page 7
12. Electronic sources ………………………………….………………………………………..page 8
13. Illustration references …………….……………………………………………………….page 9
INTRODUCTION …show more content…
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and or joint disease you will come across.
In which the number of cases diagnosed each year is expected to dramatically rise across the world in years to come. It is estimated that in the US alone by the time 2030 there will be around 65million people with it. (Please refer to figure 1 below.) Also with over $50 billion going towards treatment and diagnosis involved with it, and that’s only this year. Makes you wonder if there is anything that we may be able to do now to help in prevention and treatment of this condition. In this booklet all you need to know about
osteoarthritis
WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS…..
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that covers the end of the bone where they meet to form a join. The cartilage of a normal joint is to help guide the bones over one another. It also helps the joints ability to absorb the shock /energy of the joints physical movements. Now if you have osteoarthritis this means that the surface layer of the cartilage breaks and wears away. (Please seefigure2 below for example, figure 4 shows osteoarthritis in 3 different stages.)
Figure2: Note the difference in the joint with a healthy, osteoarthritis and a rheumatoid arthritis joint.
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This then means the bones under the cartilage are rubbing on one another, causing swelling, pain and loss of motion and movement in the joint over time. Over time the joint can also lose its normal shape.(see figure 3 on side for example of this) Over time with having this condition it may also lead to another condition which is osteophyte or bone spur which are small growths of bone on the edges of the joint. It can also cause both deposits of bone and cartilage to break off and float in the joint space causing more pain and damage.
Figure 3 (above): Note how the hand no longer represents a typical looking hand. (Compare hand in picture to your own)
Figure 4 (side): look of a normal joint as well as the 3 different stages of osteoarthritis.
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WHO IS AT RISK
Osteoarthritis (ah-stee-oh-ar-THREYE-tis) is more commonly found in elderly people, it is the most common type of arthritis. Other common names for it are osteoarthrosis and degenerative joint disease.
Both men and women can get it before they are 45, after that age women are more prone to osteoarthritis. However studies have shown that people overweight and or have jobs in which, puts high stress/ pressure on joints are also at risk. Younger people can also get osteoarthritis as a result of an injury, genetic defect to joint cartilage, or by a joint malformation. Some cases are found to be hereditary, especially when in the hands.
WHICH PART OF THE BODY DOES IT AFFECT?
Osteoarthritis is found in the joints. It more commonly occurs in the hands (at the end or the fingers and thumbs), spine (neck, lower back), knees, hips, but it can occur in any joints.
THE AFFECT IT CAN HAVE ON A PERSON……
Osteoarthritis affects people differently. The disease its self is normally is a slow and gradual one. However it can also progress quiet quickly in some people. For most people osteoarthritis interferes very little, as the people adjust themselves in the day to day living of life. Others find it debilitating and painful. Treatment can also be a financial burden to people.
Life style effects include:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling helplessness
• Limitations on daily activities
• Job limitations
• Difficulty participating in everyday personal and family activities and responsibilities.
Financial effects include
• Cost of treatment
• Wages lost due to disability.
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HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE OSTEOARTHRITIS…
There is no single test used to diagnose osteoarthritis. A doctor will use several tests to help confirm a diagnosis. They use some of the following methods to help aid them
CLINICAL HISTORY
The doctor begins by speaking to the patient and asking them about their signs and symptoms. Doctors also like to know of any previous medical conditions. They will also ask about the patient and the patients family back ground and medical history. The patient will need to answer the questions accurate and honestly to the best of their ability, so that the doctor may understand and make a diagnosis knowing the impact it has on the individual patient.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The patient will then have their affected joint checked by a doctor. This will be done by looking at the patient’s reflexes, general health; they will check the muscle strength. Look at both the affected joint and the non- affected joint and observed it i.e. walking bending and other day to day activities we use these joints for. They will also look for any physical change in looks with the affected joint.
X-RAYS
The form of arthritis is determined by an x-ray of the affected joint. This also determines and show doctors things like how much damage has been done to the joint and how much cartilage has been lost, and if there is any bone spurs developing. But an x-ray may not show signs of early osteoarthritis until there is a significant loss of cartilage. There is a big difference between the X-rays severity and the patient’s degree of pain and debilitation. Again this will come under the patient’s individual ability to cope. (Figure 5)
Figure 5 is an x-ray on a knee.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
If x-ray findings are inconclusive or have minimal findings an MRI may be performed. A MRI will show the ligaments and cartilage around the joint as well as the joint. (Figure 6)
Figure 6 is an MRI of the knee
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OTHER TESTS.
The doctor may do a blood test and or other relevant test to rule out any other illness or disease associated with the displayed symptoms.
TREATMENT
There is no one treatment used to treat osteoarthritis. It is normally consist of several different treatments. All treatments are to meet the individual’s needs. Most treatments are based on self-management programs that look at the individual’s life style.
Four goals of Osteoarthritis treatment are:
• To control pain.
• To improve joint function
• To maintain normal body weight
• To achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Common treatment approaches are:
• Exercise
• Weight control
• Rest and relief from stress on joints.
• Medications to control pain
• Surgery.
Exercise
All studies and research have shown that exercise will improve a person’s mood and outlook, decrease pain increase flexibility. It is also a cost effective. This also includes walking, swimming, water aerobics. This all comes down to the individual’s situation and capability. In a small percentage of case exercise may do more harm than good. (Figure 8)
Weight control Figure 7 shows some useful exercise
If you have osteoarthritis and are overweight it is advised to start to lose weight as the excess weight would be putting unnecessary stress on the affected joint and would determinate the joint even quicker, and would help reduce the pain.
Rest and relief from stress on joints.
The patient will have to learn to listen to their body. When they start to recognize the signs of over using the joint, they then rest or do minimal movements. This will help manage pain and will stop the joint from being over exertion.
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Medications to control pain.
There is a lot of medical treatment out there, that will help and assist with swelling and pain. A doctor will advise of medications suitable to use depending on the individual’s needs.
Surgery
For lots of people surgery help relieve pain and disability. Surgery is used for the following reasons.
• For removal of loose pieces of bone and cartilage. (arthroscopy)
• Repositioning of bone (osteotomy).
• For smoothing out joints (resurfacing bones).
• Also a joint replacement may be needed. (Artificial joint or prostheses.)
WHO HELPS CARE FOR SOMEONE WITH OSTEOARTHITIS?
There are many people who assist with the care and treatment of osteoarthritis. Here is a list of health professionals that can be used to be a part of your health care.
• Doctors. They treat patients before they are referred to other specialists.
• Rheumatologist. A doctor who specializes in treating arthritis.
• Physical therapist. They work to improve joint function.
• Occupational therapist. Teaches you way to protect joins.
• Dieticians. To give you a healthy diet to maintain a good weight.
• Nurse educators. A nurse that specialises in the condition to educate the patient.
• Physiatrists. A medical doctor who helps the client reaches their physical and physiological potential.
• Social workers. Helps with social challenges from disability and can help with financial hardships and home health care resulting from a medical condition.
• Chiropractors. Focus on the body’s structure and its functioning. (mainly spine)
• Massage therapists. They press, rub and manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
• Alternative therapies. Mainly Chinese based medicines like acupuncture and a few other alternative medicines have shown to help relive pain short term.
PREVENTION
A healthy lifestyle and understanding on how your body works will help in the prevention of osteoarthritis. Exercise regularly and being aware of the pressure and strain, the wear and tear put on the joints.
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HOW ONE MAY USE KINESIOLOGY WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS.
Kinesiology can be used to help with pain management, prevention, and it can also be used with your treatment. Thru using acupressure points to help alleviate pain. Through a range of the kinesiology exercises can/ will help in keeping the muscles relaxed and flexible. There are also a wide variety of options available to help but this again will come down to the patient’s personal needs.
THIS MAY BE AND IS ENCOURAGED TO BE DONE WITH OTHER TREATMENT PLANS AS WELL.
Some of these may include:
Muscle balances ( a range of movements used on muscles determine any imbalances in the body)
Flower essence (a natural medicine/ concoction to be taken orally or rubbed on apart of body)
Kinesiology tape (a tape used to restrict some muscles while relaxing other)
Kinesiology exercises. (A range of movements to help strengthen /or keep balances)
Kinesiology posture awareness. (Corrects posture and make client aware of their posture)
CONCLUSION…
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that affects the joint, which the US alone this year will spend over $50billion on different treatment for it; I would only hate to know the amount spent worldwide. I feel that with more education on joint stress and people being more aware of osteoarthritis and the effects of tension and stress on our joints along with a more healthy and active lifestyle would significantly reduce the number of people who are suffer from it. I feel from doing this assessment that there needs to be more work done on the prevention with osteoarthritis, as I found that out of everything I have read on it there was always very little to be found on the prevention of it. I have found that a lot of alternative therapy’s to be beneficial for both a form of pain relief and to a certain degree in the prevention.
I have found writing this paper has made me more aware of how I treat my joints. It makes think of the saying “your body’s your temple.”
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ELECTRONIC SOURCES
Osteoarthritis www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Osteoarthritis Results 1 - 20 – Links to information on osteoarthritis, the most common form of ...
Osteoarthritis Better Health Channel May 2012
Osteoarthritis Virtual Medical Centre.com Mar 2012
Treatments for Osteoarthritis www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Treatments_for_Osteoarthritis Results 1 - 20 – Links to information about treatments for osteoarthritis, including ...
Osteoarthritis: prescription medicines - myDr.com.au myDr
Neck and shoulder pain Better Health Channel
Osteoarthritis - Health & Wellbeing www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2006/03/16/1831451.htm 16 Mar 2006 – Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the joints that becomes more common with age. The knees and hands are most often affected, with pain ...
Osteoarthritis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention and ... www.emedicinehealth.com › home › arthritis center › arthritis az list by Dr. William Shiel
Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow Pictures Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow Pictures. Simple Exercises to Relieve OA Pain Slideshow Simple Exercises to ...
Osteoarthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving ...
Classification - Signs and symptoms - Causes - Diagnosis
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ILLUSTRATION REFFERENCE
• Front page……. www.limbrel.com/images/osteoarthritis-inflammation.jpg&w=280&h • Contents page……..
- Image 1: www.virtua.org/adam/graphics/images/en/17128.jpg&w=400&h
- Image 2: www.ihaveosteoarthritis.com/resources/Who%252520gets%252520Osteoarthritis.jpg&w=663&h
• Page 1…….
- Table (figure 1): www.clincare.org/images/fig-1.gif&w=416&h=242&ei
- Figure 2: www.firstmedphama.com/image/osteoarthritisjpg&w=487&h
• Page 2……
-Figure 3: www.yourhealthworks.com/images/2012_0328_osteoArthritis.jpg&w=435&h=275&ei
-Figure 4: http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/imagescooked/8525W.jpg&w=329&h=432&ei=ECDUT_WeMK7UmAU
• Page 4:
- Figure 5: www.coralspiringfootandankle.comwp-content/uploads/2011/10/osteoathritis
- Figure 6: www.sciencephoto.com/image/251031/350wm/mll00371colour_mri_scan_of_knee_joint_with_osteoathritis-spl
• Page 5:
-Figure 7: www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/osteoarthritis/graphics/exercise.gif&w=218&h
• ALL other images are from Microsoft clip art.
This is done with thanks to the above resources.