Osteoarthritis

1. Tests/Labs

1.1. X-ray, joint aspiration

2. Medical treatment

2.1. Cortisone injections,lubrication injections, joint replacement, realigning bones, Tylenol, heat/cold, acupuncture, NSAIDS.

3. Nursing Interventions

3.1. To be sure the patient has as much relief from the disease as possible.

3.2. Advocate for patient in terms of medications that can provide comfort and/or pain relief.

3.3. Educate the patient on ways to prevent exacerbation of pain such as losing weight, taking NSAID before moderate activity, preparing for pain to be worse in evening and night, etc.

4. S & S

4.1. Pain/stiffness in hips, knees, and lower back after inactive or overuse. Limited ROM or stiffness that goes away after movement. Clicking or cracking sound when a joint bends. Mild swelling around a joint. Pain that is worse after activity of toward the end of the day.

5. Contributing Factors

5.1. Older age, women are more likely to develop, obesity, occupation, genetics, poor posture, bone deformities, joint injuries

6. Definition of condition

6.1. Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone most common from middle age onward. It causes pain and stiffness especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.