Osteoarthritis
Answer to question 1:
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints in the body. The disease begins in the joint where the cartilage is connected to the bone. As the cartilage wears down the bone can become inflamed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declare that Arthritis affects more than 52 million adults in the United States, and is the most common cause of disability in our nation (Arthritis, 2014). Because there are more than 100 different types of arthritis this paper will concentrate on Osteoarthritis, and the medications used to treat Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. This form of arthritis is a major cause of pain, dissability and cost. Although this disease may affect young and old individuals, osteoarthritis typically affects individuals 60 and over (Jones, 2015). http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60802-3/ppt Symptoms include:
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Loss of flexability
• Bone spurs
Symptoms may also lead to loss of activities of daily living. Typically osteoarthritis symptoms are slow to develop and will continue to get worse over time (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Diet and exercise are suggested to help relieve pain, however some individuals may take medication specifically for osteoarthritis (Yu, S., 2014). …show more content…
NSAIDs can be taken in pill form or used as a topical cream, and although effective for pain, this medication has adverse effects. For example; gastrointestinal bleeding, which contributes to thousands of deaths each year, cardiovascular and renal concerns are also a risk. Another medication that is used for osteoarthritis is corticosteroid injections, which may give relief from pain for up to two weeks (Yu, S., p.115,
Answer to question 1:
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints in the body. The disease begins in the joint where the cartilage is connected to the bone. As the cartilage wears down the bone can become inflamed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declare that Arthritis affects more than 52 million adults in the United States, and is the most common cause of disability in our nation (Arthritis, 2014). Because there are more than 100 different types of arthritis this paper will concentrate on Osteoarthritis, and the medications used to treat Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. This form of arthritis is a major cause of pain, dissability and cost. Although this disease may affect young and old individuals, osteoarthritis typically affects individuals 60 and over (Jones, 2015). http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60802-3/ppt Symptoms include:
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Loss of flexability
• Bone spurs
Symptoms may also lead to loss of activities of daily living. Typically osteoarthritis symptoms are slow to develop and will continue to get worse over time (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Diet and exercise are suggested to help relieve pain, however some individuals may take medication specifically for osteoarthritis (Yu, S., 2014). …show more content…
NSAIDs can be taken in pill form or used as a topical cream, and although effective for pain, this medication has adverse effects. For example; gastrointestinal bleeding, which contributes to thousands of deaths each year, cardiovascular and renal concerns are also a risk. Another medication that is used for osteoarthritis is corticosteroid injections, which may give relief from pain for up to two weeks (Yu, S., p.115,