Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis that affects the joints, causing cartilage between joints to break down leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It worsens over time and commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, previous joint injuries, and occupational overuse. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving function through physical therapy, weight loss, joint protection methods, medications, and sometimes surgery. Managing daily activities and lifestyle can help control OA symptoms and slow its progression.

1. By: Kayla Klein
Osteoarthritis

2.  There are different types of arthritis such as; rheumatoid, inflammatory arthritis,
infectious arthritis which is caused by bacteria such as (staph) which travels through
the blood stream to the joint, and many others.
 The most common type that I will be discussing is Osteoarthritis (OA) which is
sometimes called degenerative joint disease “wear and tear” because the affected
joint deteriorates over time. The deterioration of tendons and ligaments, and
various degrees of inflammation of the joint lining is called the synovium.
- See more at: http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-
Conditions/Osteoarthritis#sthash.KB1SanGN.fov9dMXe.dpuf
 This is where the cartilage between joints breaks down leading to bone to bone
friction  pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis

3. Description
OA worsens over time; pieces of bone or
cartilage can chip off and float around in
the joint. In the body an inflammatory
process occurs and proteins and enzymes
develop that further damage the
cartilage.

4.  Symptoms: depends upon where the OA is located in the
body. Common symptoms are pain and stiffness.
Deformities can also occur in severe cases.
 I Found most cases are found in the hips and knees.
Area’s affected & symptoms

5. Here are ways OA may affect different parts of the body:
 Hips. Pain is felt in the groin area or buttocks and sometimes on the inside
of the knee or thigh.
 Knees. A “grating” or “scraping” sensation occurs when moving the knee.
 Fingers. Bony growths (spurs) at the edge of joints can cause fingers to
become swollen, tender and red. There may be pain at the base of the
thumb.
 Feet. Pain and tenderness is felt in the large joint at the base of the big toe.
There may be swelling in ankles or toes. (Arthritis Foundation)
Symptoms

6.  OA affects approximately 27 million Americans. (Arthritis Foundation)
 OA can affect people of all ages but usually occurs in age 40 and above.
 Osteoarthritis (OA) is now considered one of the ten most disabling diseases
in developed countries, and it is estimated that worldwide 18% of women
and 9.6% of men over 60 years suffer from this condition.
 OA is the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults
 In 2009 in the United States; 904,900 knee and hip replacements were
performed at a cost of $42.3 billion.
 In 2011 there were an estimated 6.7 million hospitalizations with a principal
or secondary diagnosis of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.17
Osteoarthritis

7.  Age: Could be the state of blood supply to the joint and the state of the
natural repair mechanisms become less efficient in some individuals as they
age.
 Genetics: There may be some inherence that develop in some.
 Obesity: OA in the hip or knees are more likely too develop due to an
increased load on the joints which can lead to joint damage.
 Sex: Women are more likely to develop OA than men.
– Hormones, biology
 Previous joint injury or damage
 Occupational overuse
Risk factors

8.  Many people believe that the effects of osteoarthritis are inevitable,
so they don’t do anything to manage it. OA symptoms can hinder
work, social life and family life if steps are not taken to prevent joint
damage, manage pain and increase flexibility.
 Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the top reasons for long-term disability
and employment loss.
Vocational issues

9.  There is no cure for OA. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function in affected
area.
 Physical measures: weight loss and exercise are useful. Using a cane, for daily
activities. Heat or cold therapy can help relieve OA symptoms for a short time.
 Alternative treatments: Hot tub, massage, and chiropractic manipulation may also
help for a short time. – Not enough research done upon these complimentary
treatments.
 Drug therapy: Topical, oral, and injections. Applying the drug directly on the skin
over the affected area. (Grandma uses peppermint, wintergreen, and panaway for
her arthritis in her foot. Such as; capsaicin cream, lidocaine, and diclofenac gel. Oral
pain relievers; acetaminophen are common at first, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs help decrease the swelling and pain.
Treatment

10.  Surgery: may be an option for severe cases of OA. This is where the
joint is beyond damaged and other treatments have failed and have
major LOSS of function. Some receive a full joint replacement.
 in 2010 the government (FDA) approved the use of duloxetine
(Cymbalta) for chronic musculoskeletal pain including OA.
 Some may need stronger meds such as narcotics. Others may use
cortisone shots.
Treatment

11.  You can manage how OA affects your lifestyle. Some tips include:
 Properly position and support your neck and back while sitting or sleeping.
 Adjust furniture, such as raising a chair or toilet seat.
 Avoid repeated motions of the joint, especially frequent bending.
 Lose weight if you are overweight or obese, which can reduce pain and slow
progression of OA.
 Exercise each day.
 Use adaptive devices that will help you do daily activities.
 You might want to work with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to learn
the best exercises and to choose arthritis assistive devices.
Managing OA

12.  OA affects different aspects of life.
 Work-being employed has a positive impact of QOL. Not being employed with OA
has shown to have less life satisfaction and greater depression & higher pain levels.
 Family- affects the amount of participation that one can have with their family and
not feeling as involved leads to depression, as well as unhealthy behaviors.
 And leisure-not being a part of activities can affect the way one feels about oneself
and can also lead to isolation.
 Therapy is also another aspect that can help improve QOL for individuals that have
OA, by keeping oneself active, social, and rearranging everyday activities that fit
well with your body.
Psychosocial/psychological:

13. Arthritis Foundation:
http://www.arthritis.org/
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-
Conditions/Osteoarthritis#sthash.KB1SanGN.dpuf
Resources

14.  http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-
Conditions/Osteoarthritis#sthash.KB1SanGN.dpuf
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21471863
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1794518/
 http://patient.info/health/osteoarthritis-leaflet
 http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
 http://www.usbji.org/sites/default/files/COAMI%20Impact%20of%20OA%20in%20t
he%20US.pdf
 http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-and-gender.aspx
References