Osteoarthritis information

Osteoarthritis (OA)

• ·         A description of the condition.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that mostly affects weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine and also the hands. The cartilage in a normal joint allows it to move smoothly but in an OA affected joint the cartilage wears thin leaving the bones unprotected, stopping joint from moving smoothly. OA causes joint stiffness, redness and swelling all causing pain. Most OA sufferers experience some form of pain constantly.
Primary osteoarthritis is a slow progressive condition that usually strikes after the age of 45. Exact cause is not yet known but family history and obesity are known risk factors.
Secondary OA appears before 40 and is usually caused by trauma or injury to the joint. Joint laxity, joint infection, and metabolic disorders can also contribute.

• ·         Standards/ criteria used for classifying the condition.

There are no real criteria for classifying OA as the symptoms are different from person to person, joint to joint. Test used for determining OA can range from history, physical examination, radiography and laboratory findings.

• ·         Medications and effects relative to condition.

Medications vary depending on how severe the pain is. They range from ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain, to steroid shots in the joint to reduce swelling redness and pain, to opioids for moderate to severe pain.
Acetaminophen is usually the first to be prescribed as it as less side effects however non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usually work better.
Because medications for OA are usually prescribed daily for long periods of time regular check-ups with a doctor are needed to check for side effects.

• ·         Effects on ability to exercise (program limitations).

OA makes joints stiff and painful and this can affect how much someone can do, each person is different, but exercise has many benefits for someone with OA such as reducing pain and muscle tension and stress and will increase flexibility and mobility of joints.

• ·         Contraindications (inappropriate activities) that may need to be modified for condition.

As all symptoms vary from person to person all exercise should be modified to suit the individual. If ones experiencing unusual or extra pain you should stop exercising.  Any activity can be done as long as it is modified to be low impact, light weight with less force going through the joints.

• ·         Support network of people who would assist this person or provide additional information to you.

http://arthritisnsw.org.au/ has a lot of information on OA including ways to manage arthritis. It also offers support groups and self-management programs to help you improve and manage your condition.

List of references
http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/conditions-and-symptoms/osteoarthritis

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/tc/osteoarthritis-medications

http://arthritisnsw.org.au/