Critical analysis of the Osteoarthritis disorder
Osteoarthritis remains a significant threat to public health across the whole world. The United States is one of the nations fighting with Osteoarthritis. Research suggests that above 30 millions of Americans are battling with Osteoarthritis (O’Neill et al 2018). Osteoarthritis refers to a synovial joint disorder associated with the breakdown of cartilage in joints and is characterized by stiffness and pain. OA is the most common form of arthritis affecting many people globally, particularly those above 40 years. According to research, Osteoarthritis mostly affects the joints in knees, hips, hands, and spine, although it can damage any joint. The damage caused by Osteoarthritis in the joints cannot be treated, but the symptoms can be managed to a meaningful state (Akbarnezhad et al 2019). Many types of research and theories have been advanced to provide insights about Osteoarthritis. The results of these researches range from, history of the Osteoarthritis, causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, complications, medications to prevention measures. Therefore, this paper focuses on critically analyzing the organ systems affected by Osteoarthritis, and description of a disease as a whole based on research.
In general, Osteoarthritis is becoming a health problem for the aging population across the world. An understanding of the disorder can help reduce its sereneness. Research carried on common diseases demonstrates that Osteoarthritis is one of the conditions that cannot be cured, although treatment can lower its effects. Mostly affecting knee joint, the disorders can go in four stages, which range from average, minor, mild, moderate, and severe steps when appropriate treatment plans are maintained. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease, and it occurs when the cartilage tissues present in human joints wear out such that there is no friction between the bones (Aspden & Saunders, 2019). Sincerely, the chance of developing diseases increases with age. For example, from the research-based evidence, many people above the age of 60 have Osteoarthritis. However, people at the age of 20s and 30s still have arthritis, although there should be specific reasons for increased stress in the joints due to overuse and injuries in body joints. Women are more prone to Osteoarthritis as compared to men.
The onset of Osteoarthritis is prolonged, and its progress is still slow. Most often, the symptoms of Osteoarthritis develop gradually and worsen over time. These symptoms may include: pain whereby the affected joints experience a lot of pain during and after movement; stiffness_ stiffness in the joints might often be noticeable after being inactive; feel or grating sensation in the joint or crackling; loss of flexibility whereby the Osteoarthritis patient is in a position to move his/her joint through its full range of motion; tenderness in the joints; bone spurs mainly in the affected body joints; swelling caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint (Akbarnezhad et al 2019). Some researchers argue that symptoms of Osteoarthritis are almost similar to those of arthritis, although there is a slight difference depending on the affected person. An understanding of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis is very vital because it helps know whether he or she has the disorder and seek medical attention as early as enough. These symptoms can be managed, although joint damage cannot be reversed.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage tissues that are found at the end bones in the joints. Cartilage refers to slippery and robust fabric that ensures there is no friction in joint movement. In other words, cartilage tissue hinders the rubbing of bone to bone in the body joint. Therefore, when there is complete wear out of the cartilage, the bone to rub on the bone. Apart from the breakdown of cartilage, the disorder affects the entire joint. It causes changes as well as deterioration of connective tissues that attach fittings (Akbarnezhad et al 2019). Besides, it causes inflammation of the joint lining. Some researches demonstrate that Osteoarthritis is caused by heredity.
Although the prevalence of Osteoarthritis depends on age (it is common among people above 40 years), it is very challenging to highlight its prevalence because it affects different system organs. For instance, in the organ system, it affects both large and small joints. Some factors, such as genetics and environment, contribute to the variance of the disorder among the population. Some authors who studied data providing information about OA’s effects found that rates of knee OA are higher (Aspden & Saunders, 2019). Research-based on human anatomy and physiology suggests that Osteoarthritis affects body organs near joints such as bones bordering joint and cartilage, among others. The healthy body structure of human beings has cartilage tissues and synovial fluid in every joint. These parts are the prevalence of OA. Cartilage is considered delicate tissue and damages easily. Cartilage cells(chondrocytes) are forced by pressure to produce a collagen and protein matrix. It eventually damages. Subchondral bone just beneath the cartilage in the synovial joint is affected by OA. The uppermost zone of this bone is composed of the relatively non-porous bone with a limited supply of blood. Beneath this, there is trabecular bone. Hence OA, after destroying cartilage tissue it causes these bones to rub over each other due to lack of friction (Aspden & Saunders, 2019). The changes in these tissues lead to inflammation. OA is common in the knee joint because a lot of pressure is exerted during movement, although it affects all body joints.
Several factors increase one’s risk of Osteoarthritis such as order age; obesity; gender_women are at higher risk of Osteoarthritis as compared to men; joint injuries which can occur through accident increases one’s risk of developing Osteoarthritis; repeated stress on the joint can lead it to build Osteoarthritis; deformities in bones or defective cartilage acquired through birth; some metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes); and genetics (O’Neill et al 2018). Some researchers who reviewed the data studying the effects and complications of Osteoarthritis suggested a few complications associated with the disorder. Some of the difficulties are; chronic pains, depression, slow movement, and sleeping disturbances. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that worsens over time, and its symptoms, such as joint pain, can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult to accomplish. The illness and disability resulted from OA can lead to disturbance while sleeping.
Evidence from the research carried on the medications of the Osteoarthritis demonstrated that some treatments could help one reduce pain, although it cannot be cured. Acetaminophen is one of the medicine that has been proven to help people with mild pain of OA. Secondly, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs( NSAIDS) relives osteoarthritis pain. Lastly, Cymbalta is one of the medications recommended by health care organizations for patients of Osteoarthritis as it helps in the treatment of chronic pain. There are some injections, such as cortisone and lubrication that are administered to Osteoarthritis patients. Therapies can also help in reducing pain in the joints (Berenbaum et al 2019). Additionally, joint replacement is advisable for osteoarthritis patients. Losing weight and exercising are simple ways of relieving joint pain and stiffness of Osteoarthritis.
In conclusion, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that is affecting millions of people worldwide. It increases in prevalence with age and affects mostly women. Research has helped in understanding the pathophysiology of OA. It affects both small and large joints of the body system. Osteoarthritis affects cartilage tissues. Cartilage can be treated at severe stages with surgical joint arthroplasty. An understanding of this disorder, symptoms, causes, risk factors is of considerable significance to human beings. Research has recommended some strategies that can help in reducing the cases of Osteoarthritis through prevention. Currently, exercise therapy has been suggested as the first step in treating OA (Roos & Arden, 2016). Exercise therapy can be defined as the plan of physical activities prescribed for specific therapeutic goals. The purpose of this therapy is to reduce pain and restore musculoskeletal function by improving joint stability. Lastly, exercise therapy can play an essential role in preventing and treating Osteoarthritis.
References
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Akbarnezhad, N., Shahboulaghi, F. M., Khankeh, H., Sokhangouie, Y., Biglarian, A., & Modanloo, S. (2019). The effect of acupressure therapy on pain, stiffness and physical functioning of knees among older adults diagnosed with Osteoarthritis: A pilot randomized control trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 68-75.
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