St Thomas University Patient to Osteoarthritis Discussion

Milien, Cassandre

Nov 21, 2020 at 20:28

Musculoskeletal Function

Alterations of the Musculoskeletal FunctionIn the case study of this week is presented a patient with signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. This condition is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a disease with different levels of inflammation especially as it progresses and it is one of the most common rheumatologic conditions. It’s prevalence in people with increasing age is striking with studies showing that 70% of people over the age of 65 have it (Baird, 2001).Identify four risk factors that have predisposed this patient to osteoarthritisRisk factors for OA include family history, previous injury, poor posture and joint overuse. Some factors that specifically affect patient G.J are her age, gender, weight, family history and her past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of OA increases with age and is more common in women than in men older than age 50 (McCance & Huether, 2017). G.J is identified as overweight; she has gained 20 pounds over the last 9 months. Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress increases the risk of OA in that joint (CDC, 2020). Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This triggers inflammation that thickens the synovial tissue lining the inside of the joint, causing swelling and pain in around the joints.The primary cause of limited range of motion in a joint afflicted with osteoarthritis is/are:Degeneration of articular cartilage. Cartilage is a connective tissue found in many parts of the body. Although it is a tough and flexible material, it is relatively easy to damage. According to Peters & al, 2018. The degeneration of articular cartilage as part of the clinical syndrome of osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability in middle-aged and older people. Patients with damage to the cartilage in a joint (articular cartilage damage) will experience Inflammation, Stiffness and Range of motion limitation.Are there any forms of complementary and alternative medicine available for treating osteoarthritis?Alternative medicine is any various systems of healing or treating disease not included in traditional medical curricula of the U.S and Britain (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Whereas complementary medicine is used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Alternative treatments for OA usually target pain, stiffness and swelling. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help build cartilage and are available as dietary supplements. Other supplements such as Vitamin C, fish oil, and Turmeric has shown to reduce inflammation. In addition to medication, some mind and body approaches can be used to help with OA symptoms. Acupuncture and massage are believed to help reduce pain caused by OA.What are the brand names of two topical pain creams that contain the pain reliever trolamine salicylate and have been widely promoted to temporarily relieve arthritis pain?Some of the brand topical creams that are used to relieve pain include Aspercreme and Capzasin-HP arthritis cream. Aspercreme is a type of odorless arthritis cream that people prefer. The drug is free from the fragrance and is preferable suitable for people that don’t need scent and more vulnerable to any of the allergic conditions. The drug contains salicylates but has no counterirritants on it. The cream can be useful to a person if the skin is much sensitive to the counterirritants. On the other hand, Capzasin-HP arthritis cream acts as pain reliever. The drug has a warm sensation, which has much milder than the one people feel after taking the pepper. The cream is used as the best to massage the body in which it helps to relieve pain that on a person that has problems with arthritis.Cockscomb is a garden plant commonly grown for its flowers. Name a medication derived from cockscomb that is used to treat osteoarthritis. The medication derived from cockscomb is Sodium Hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate is similar to the fluid that surrounds the joints in your body. This gel-like substance found in the joints has serval functions; to lubricate the joints, helps with growth of cartilage and reduces inflammation. This fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. This is made into an injection and injected directly into the knee for 3 to 5 weeks Sodium hyaluronate (injection) Uses, Side Effects & Warnings.

ReferencesMerriam-Webster. (n.d.). Alternative Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alterna… medicineBaird, C.L. (2001). First-line treatment for osteoarthritis: part 1: pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacologic interventions. Orthopaedic Nursing, 20(5), 17–27.McCance, Kathryn L. & Huether, S.E. (2017). Understanding Pathophysiology. (6th Ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. CDC. (2020, February 27). Osteoarthritis (OA).https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthriti… (Links to an external site.)