Musculoskeletal Health - Osteoarthritis Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis is degenerative arthritis of the articular cartilage, typically affecting weight-bearing joints in people over 45.
What are key signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Joint pain (gradual onset), stiffness, swelling, deformity, crepitus, and Heberden’s nodes.
What is the composition of articular cartilage?
Extracellular matrix (water, collagen, proteoglycans) and chondrocytes.
What is the role of proteoglycans in cartilage?
They resist compressive forces due to osmotic properties provided by GAGs like chondroitin sulphate.
What happens in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis?
MMPs degrade ECM, causing cartilage to soften and erode; subchondral bone responds with thickening and osteophyte formation.
List some key causes and risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Age, joint trauma, obesity, T2DM, genetics, chronic inflammation, other joint diseases, vitamin D deficiency.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Radiography showing joint-space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis.
What is the conventional treatment for OA?
NSAIDs for symptom relief, though they may accelerate cartilage breakdown.
What diet is recommended in the natural approach to OA?
CNM Naturopathic Diet with anti-inflammatory focus and sufficient hydration.
How does glucosamine sulphate support joints?
Supports proteoglycan and collagen synthesis; inhibits MMPs and COX-2.
What is the benefit of chondroitin sulphate in OA?
Increases hyaluronic acid and inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes.
What are the effects of MSM in OA?
Anti-inflammatory, stimulates proteoglycan synthesis, scavenges free radicals.
How does vitamin C support cartilage health?
Required for collagen synthesis and protects against ROS.
Why is vitamin D important in OA?
Prevents cartilage erosion, regulates collagen II, and supports bone metabolism.
What is the effect of tart cherry extract in OA?
Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and hsCRP via NF-kB and IL-6 inhibition.
What is the role of turmeric in OA?
Curcuminoids inhibit NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-6.
What is the natural use of Devil’s Claw in OA?
Reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α); dose built gradually.
Name three topical natural applications for OA.
Topical Devil’s Claw or MSM; warming oil blends (rosemary, cayenne); essential oils in carrier oils.
