Osteoarthritis information and comparisons
| Presence of symptoms affecting the whole body (systemic): | Systemic symptoms are not present. Localized joint pain (Knee and hips) but NO swelling Pain severity is important (mechanical, inflammatory, noctornal, sudden) |
| Associated symptoms: | (no systemic symps) fatigue, muscle weakness, fever, organ involvement; Bony enlargement, deformity, instability, restricted movement, joint locked, sleep dist,depression, comorbid conditions (bursitis, fibromyalgia, gout) |
| Joint Symptoms: | Joints painful but without swelling; affects joints asymmetrically; affects bigger joints such as hips & knees. Localized with variable, progressive course |
| Treatment: | NSAIDs (short term use) Acetaminophen, Analgesics, exercise |
| Diagnosis: | x-ray, pain assessment- perarticular and articular source of pain, presence of deformity, evidence of muscle wasting, local inflammation. asymmetrical joints |
| Disease Process: | Normal wear and tear (chronic degenerative) |
| Gender: | Common in both men and women. Before 50 more men than women, after 50 more women than men |
| Cause: | wear and tear associated w/ aging or injury, also caused by injuries to the joints, obesity, heredity, overuse of the joints from sports |
| Pattern of joints that are affected: | Asymmetrical & may spread to the other side. Symptoms begin gradually and are often limited to one set of joints, usually the finger joints closest to the fingernails or the thumbs, large weight-bearing joints, |
| Age of onset: | Over 60 |
| Speed of onset: | Slow, over years |
| Effusions: | local inflammation/effusion sometimes |
| Nodules: | Herberden's & Bouchard's nodes |
| Severity: | Less severe |
| pain w/ movement: | movement increases pain |
| Assessment: | One or several joints; enlarged, cool, and hard on palpation; |
| Radiologic findings: | Loss of joint space and articular cartilage, routine wear and tear osteophytes, sclerosis, cysts, loose bodies, alignment |
| Lab findings: | Rheumatoid Factors (RF) negative, transient elevation in ESR related to synovitis |
| Genetic Factors: | Family HX of OA-womenm |
| Interdisciplinary Team: | collaborate with PT to provide heat or cool packs, positioning, and mobility, |
| Patient Education: | Keep weight within normal limits, assist with smoking cessation, avoid risk taking activities, avoid/limit participation in recreational sports, wear supportive shoes, do not perform repetitive exercises. |
| Priority Nursing Care: | Chronic Pain and Decreased mobility |
| Causes: | There is no real known cause to all/any forms of arthritis. |
| Definition: | These are both inflammatory, and Immune disorders, often times both are in some way associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cause is unknown, treatments "not cures" are Available. Diet, and Environmental issues both play roles in these disorders. |
| Symptoms: | Joint pain is one of the main symptoms, stiffness, and some swelling as well depending on the location. |
| Prognosis: | Diet, and Environmental issues both play roles. Often aggravated by Stress. It doesn't go away try to keep stress to a low level. try conventional and unconventional methods. Read Knowledge is everything. |