OSTEOARTHRITIS

Question 1

T/F Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not generally considered an inflammatory disease. Usually, it affects individual joints without systematic effects.

Answer 1

TRUE

Question 2

What are risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

Female
Obesity
Heredity
Trauma
Neuromuscular dysfunction
Metabolic disorders

Question 3

What are signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer 3

Pain related to use
Pain worsens throughout the day
Minimal morning stiffness 
Decreased range of motion
Joint instability
Bony enlargement
Restricted movement
Crepitus
Variable swelling and/or instability

Question 4

What percentage of people over the age of 70 have osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

75%

Question 5

Which joints are mainly affected by osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Hands
Feet
Hips
Knees
Spine
The joints most commonly affected in the hands are the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb and the PIPs and DIPs of the fingers.

Question 6

What are the non pharmacologic treatment for osteoarthritis?

Answer 6

The goal of OA treatment is disability prevention by pain reduction and continued mobility.
Routine exercise (essential)
Patient education (essential)
Weight loss
Physical therapy

Question 7

What are the pharmacologic treatments for osteoarthritis?

Answer 7

Acetaminophen
NSAIDs: can be used instead of Tylenol if there are liver issues or if some inflammation is present
Intra-articular steroid injection: if inflammation is present
Hyaluronate injection: a viscous solution that helps relieve knee pain in some cases
Surgical procedures: can be explored with orthopedics if all conventional therapies have been utilized

Question 8

What is first line medication for treatment of osteoarthritis

Answer 8

Tylenol up to 3g/day