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Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

Ostrich-King-Arthur
Picmonic
This disease is the most common joint disorder. It is chronic disease that is also known as degenerative joint disease. Loss of articular cartilage combined with new bone formation leads to pain and deformity. It is characterized by asymmetric joint pain, pain which improves with rest, morning stiffness lasting under 30 minutes, and there is a proclivity towards involvement of the DIP and PIP joints. Crepitus can be seen in physical examination.
10 KEY FACTS
MECHANISM
Articular Cartilage Destruction
Article Cartilage-cart destroyed

Articular cartilage destruction occurs due to biomechanical stress and aging and genetic components.

Biomechanical Stress
Bio-mechanical Joint Under Stress

Factors such as obesity, muscle strength, and joint stability, structure and alignment can lead to biomechanical stress.

Aging
Old ostrich

The risk of OA increases greatly in individuals over the age of 50. It is a degenerative disease, and is seen in patients who are older, as they have had more use of their joints than younger individuals.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Asymmetric
Asymmetrical Damage

Unlike in rheumatoid arthritis, OA presents with asymmetric joint involvement.

Pain Decreases with Rest
Pain-bolts decreasing with Bedrest

Unlike in rheumatoid arthritis where pain improves with use, in OA pain improves with rest.

Morning Stiffness Under 30 Minutes
Stiff-board Under 30 Minute Morning-sun

Patients with OA complain of morning stiffness that lasts a short time (usually under 30 minutes). This is unlike patients with RA who will typically complain of morning stiffness that lasts greater than 30 minutes.

Crepitus
Carpenters

Crepitus is an audible or palpable crackling that occurs upon joint movement. This grating sensation is caused by loose cartilage particles in the joint area that contributes to stiffness.

DIP and PIP Joints
Dip and Pipe Joints

OA affects the DIP and PIP joints unlike RA which affects the PIP and MCP joints. Heberden’s nodes affect the DIP joint and Bouchard’s nodes affect the PIP joint in OA.

TREATMENT
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle-magazine

Weight loss and exercise are recommended for the patient, as excess weight can lead to increased joint degeneration.

Acetaminophen or NSAIDs
A-cheetah-with-a-fin and N-sad

Painkillers are often used to help the patient deal with the pain. NSAIDS are avoided in older patients that may be more susceptible to GI bleeds. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to decrease pain over the short term.

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