First, let us understand what is Osteoarthritis ...
OA is a degenerative disease of joints that affects all of the weight-bearing components of the joint:
- Articular Cartilage
- Menisci
- Bone
About OSTEOARTHRITIS [OA]:
- Most common joint disease
- Most common form of arthritis
- Most OA patients > age 45
- Women> men
- Most often appears at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.
OA-RiskFactors:
Age:
- Strongest risk factor
- OA can start in young adulthood but risk increases with age
Gender:
- Affects more in women than men
- More common in men before age 45, women after age 45
- OA of the hand particularly common in women
Joint injury/Overuse from physical labor or sports:
- Trauma to any joint increases risk of OA
- Ligament or meniscus tears
- Repeated movements in certain jobs increase risk
Obesity:
Joint overload is among strongest risks for knee OA
OA–Symptoms:
- Gradual onset
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
- Crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone (called crepitus) when the joint is used
Radiographic Diagnosis:
How to Manage OA ???
Goals in Managing OA :
- Decreasing pain
- Increase range of motion
- Increase Muscle strength
Occupational therapy for Osteoarthritis:
It would involve
- Pain management through use of Physical Agent Modalities,
- Exercises to improve and maintain Range of Motion of the joint
- Exercises to Strengthen Muscles of the joint
- Use of Energy Conservative and Work Simplification Techniques to help in doing the activity with ease
- Use of Joint Protection Technique while using the joint
- Ergonomic Modification in Work & Home environment