Osteoarthritis

Definition:

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is the most common and most
frequently disabling of the joint disorders. It is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of
the cartilage of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age
45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After 55 years of age, it occurs more
frequently in females.

Signs and symptoms:

-Heberden’s sign – bony enlargement of the small joint at the end of the fingers

-Joint pain

-Stiffness

-Functional impairment

-Inflammation

Diagnostic procedures then nursing responsibility of it:

X-ray- to visualize the narrowing of the joint space.

Responsibilities:

Send a request on the patient before the procedure

Make sure to remove bra when performing x-ray

Ensure that the only patient is the only person who will be exposed to the radiation.

Medical management:

There is no specific treatment to halt cartilage degeneration or to repair damaged cartilage in

osteoarthritis. The goal of treatment in osteoarthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation
while improving and maintaining joint function. Weight reduction and avoiding activities that
exert excessive stress on the joint cartilage is the primary treatment for osteoarthritis. Mild pain
relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen may be sufficient treatment. NSAIDs are
medications that are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints