Osteoarthritis, Its Symptoms and Treatment

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Osteoarthritis, Its Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is a common disorder of the human joints that is characterized by degeneration of the entire joint or the articular cartilage.^2(1445) The affected parts of the joint include the ligaments, the synovium, and the articular cartilage, and the subchondral bone.² This discussion gives a detailed analysis of the pathology, clinical manifestations, and symptoms of osteoarthritis. The paper goes further to describe the major treatment and therapeutic methods that can be used to deal with this condition.

Pathology

Osteoarthritis (also given the name degenerative joint disease) is one of the commonest conditions affecting the joint. The condition affects over10 percent of males above the age of 60.³ Eighteen percent of women above 60 years of age have the disease.³ Osteoarthritis is usually asymptomatic, especially after onset. Developed osteoarthritis is characterized by reduced mobility, stiffness, and pain.

Analysis and Description of Osteoarthritis

Etiology

Many experts believe strongly that osteoarthritis is a multi-factorial condition that affects individuals above the age of 50.¹ Past studies have indicated that women have higher chances of developing this disease. The risk factors for osteoarthritis include gender, metabolic rate, nutrition, ethnicity, and age. It is also argued that the diseases etiology is related to poor adaptation to the major demands of the human body.

Signs and Symptoms

The major symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include pain and tenderness. The patients joint will feel tender especially when pressure is applied to it.³ Pain is experienced when the patient walks from point A to B. A grating sensation can be heard from the joint especially when in use. Bone spurs might develop around the joint. Loss of flexibility is eventually recorded whereby the individual is unable to move his or her joint.

Clinical Manifestations

This condition will manifest itself in several symptoms. The patient will portray certain manifestations such as loco-motor restriction, stiffness, and joint paint.⁵⁽²¹⁾ These conditions might worsen over some time and make it impossible for the person to work. When the pain intensities, it is appropriate for the patient to see a doctor get the right support.

Diagnosis

Physicians can use various methods to diagnose the disease. The doctor can examine the affected region physically. This approach is used to check for redness, swelling, or tenderness.⁴ Imaging tests can be completed using x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).³ These methods will reveal bone spurs around the targeted joint. Physicians can go further to carry out joint fluid studies or analyses to identify any form of inflation.

Prognosis

In terms of prognosis, osteoarthritis is a disease that develops gradually. This means that the slowly progressive disease will take long before causing serious implications.³ Hasty joint damage is uncommon in the condition. Studies also indicate that less than 5 percent of individuals with the condition will require a joint replacement surgery.³⁽⁴¹⁾ More people with the condition can record stable results with appropriate support.

What Does Pathology Look Like?

After the onset of osteoarthritis, the collagen matrix will be affected due to the decreasing content of proteoglycan.⁵ The structures around the affected joint will also begin to change. For instance, the ligaments and the menisci might be affected. The absence of menisci in the joint means that the patient might need joint replacement therapy.⁴ Osteophytes (also known as spurs) develop on the joints. These physiological changes eventually affect the normal functioning of the joint. Pain and discomfort emerge due to such changes.

Treatment Interventions

Patients who have osteoarthritis can benefit significantly from several interventions or treatments. The first evidence-based management approach is the use of physical exercises or measures. Studies have indicated that moderate exercise can be appropriate for patients who want to manage pain in the joints.³ Such physical exercises should be done frequently to deliver positive results. Although the current evidence regarding the use of manual therapy offers complex results, it is agreeable that the approach can deliver positive results. Exercising in a swimming pool can also deliver positive results. Aerobics and therapeutic programs will reduce pain and make it easier for targeted patients to lead better lifestyles.

The second management approach revolves around the use of medications. Various medications have the potential to deliver positive results. One of the drugs embraced by physicians to manage pain is known as acetaminophen.⁵ Another useful group of medicines is known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Celecoxib is another drug that has been observed to deliver positive results. Patients should interact with their physicians to identify the right medicines that can maximize their health outcomes.

Progression of Physical Therapy Treatment

Osteoarthritis is a unique disease of the joints that develops over a long period. The use of physical therapy treatment can deliver positive results if managed properly. Throughout the treatment process, physicians and psychotherapists should collaborate with their respective patients to ensure positive results are recorded.¹ It is appropriate for physicians to modify the interventions to deliver positive results.

Physical therapy should be introduced to the patient depending on the stage of the condition. The use of exercises will ensure pain is managed properly. The term-term goal should be to minimize pain and strengthen the muscles.² During the implementation phase, it is appropriate for the exercises to be supervised by competent healthcare workers or psychotherapists. The second phase can be characterized by aerobic walking and tai chi to produce positive results.³

The third phase can be supported using continuous training to ensure the patients develop new self-management skills. The psychotherapist should consider various interventions depending on the unique needs of the patients. Several therapeutic approaches should be designed in such a way that they meet the unique needs of the targeted clients.² For instance, hydrotherapeutic exercises such as aerobics and stretching will make it easier for patients to record positive results. Massage can also be included throughout the intervention strategy.

The use of ultrasound techniques has been suggested by psychotherapists because it has the potential to reduce terminal pain in patients. Advanced cases of osteoarthritis will benefit from post-operative therapy. This kind of exercise will improve the effectiveness and functioning of the new joint.⁵⁽²⁴⁾ That being the case, physicians should design personalized physical management therapies depending on the stage and pathology of the condition.

Medical Management: Impact on Physical Therapy Treatment

Medical management is commonly used to deal with this disease. Physicians recommend different medications to minimize pain. Some of the common drugs include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids.⁴ These medications relieve pain and make it possible for patients to lead better lives. Some drugs such as intra-articular injections are administered if opioids fail to deliver positive results.

Medical management of osteoarthritis is a useful approach for supporting the needs of the affected patients. Experts believe strongly that the use of medications and medical management can support the identified physical therapy treatment.² The drugs can be used to minimize pain and encourage more patients to undertake a wide range of exercises that can deliver positive results. Unfortunately, the use of medicines might interfere with the treatment process. This is true because many patients embracing the use of drugs might be discouraged from engaging in different physical exercises.

Role of the PTA in Treating Patients

The PTA has a role in treating patients who have this condition. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), therapies can be embraced by medical practitioners and physicians to deliver quality care to patients with the condition. The role of the PTA is to identify adequate practices that can be used to prevent the onset of the condition. This can be achieved by encouraging more individuals to choose healthy living conditions and lifestyles.¹ Exercising regularly is an essential practice that can deliver positive outcomes within a short time. Therapies should also be considered depending on the stage of the condition. Medications can also be used to maximize the patients health outcomes.

Healthcare teams should be comprised of clinicians, caregivers, physicians, and psychotherapists. These professionals will present their ideas to ensure the best support is available to the patients.¹ The team will design the best model that can meet the unique health needs of every patient.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a complex disease associated with numerous biochemical changes during its initial stages.³The disease is believed to be caused by biomechanical forces acting on the human joints. Pain-relieving medicines and psychical therapies are usually used to deal with the condition. The main objective of therapy in osteoarthritis is to improve functioning and minimize pain. The interaction of the health care teams is another powerful strategy that can deliver positive results. Medications can also be used to record positive health outcomes.

References

Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Web.
Byrant C, Lewis P, Bennell K, et al. Can physical therapists deliver a pain coping skills program: an examination of training processes and outcomes. Phys Ther. 2014;94(10): 1443-1454. Web.
Iannucci L. Making waves with aquatic therapy. PT in Motion. October 2012:16,21-40,41.
Lin C, Delahunt E, King E. Neuromuscular training for chronic ankle instability. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(8):987-991. Web.
Patton K., Thibodeau G. Anatomy and physiology. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2013.

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