Summary
In the process of aging, the individual’s body experiences the loss of the previous functions of a particular system. This leads, for example, to impaired vision, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, or problems with the endocrine system. Osteoarthritis becomes one of the physiological problems with musculoskeletal function characteristic of aging. The study of these changes in the body is necessary because it provides an opportunity to determine the nursing management appropriate for the disorder.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases characteristic of the elderly. This disorder “is a degenerative joint disease that happens when the tissues that cushion the ends of the bones within the joints break down over time” (“Osteoarthritis,” n.d., para. 2). The distinguishing feature of osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis is the absence of inflammatory processes in the blood of people. Thus, this is a degenerative disease that concentrates on the defeat of human joints. Hawker and King (2022) point out that “one in 3 people over age 65, and disproportionately more women than men, are living with osteoarthritis” (p. 181).
Common Problems
As a consequence of the fact that osteoarthritis affects the joints of older people, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness after a prolonged absence of movement can be singled out among the main problems. In addition, individuals may experience the crunching sound of bone rubbing on bone. In more severe cases, this disease can lead to joint deformation due to tissue destruction processes. Osteoarthritis causes pain when moving, which can quickly resemble its absence. The appearance of this disease is most susceptible to the knee, hip, and small joints of the hands.
Conditions
Osteoarthritis is often a consequence of aging processes in the body and the deterioration of tissues. However, among the main conditions that can lead to this disease is excessive physical impact, which includes not only physical exercise but also being overweight (Sun et al., 2019). Moreover, the deviation may develop due to acquired diseases of bones and joints, experienced injuries, and surgery. A unique role is also played by the history of osteoarthritis in the patient’s anamnesis and improper formation of joints.
Nursing Management
Nursing management is of critical importance in providing care to patients with osteoarthritis since this disease cannot be cured entirely but is only maintained to reduce symptoms.
First, one of the most common ways to treat osteoarthritis is to prescribe a specialized set of exercises. These measures include “stretching and balance exercises as well as low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or tai chi” (“Osteoarthritis,” n.d., para. 18). Such exercises are selected individually depending on the condition of patients and are aimed at reducing joint pain and improving flexibility and muscle strength (Azizi et al., 2020; Rezasoltani et al.,2020).
For individuals who are overweight, the treatment measure is prescribing a diet. Weight control in such cases is of critical importance since excess weight puts additional strain on the already weak joints of elderly people. Nurses should provide patients with assistance in exploring healthy eating options and provide advice when questions arise.
Often, in addition to physical exercises, individuals may be prescribed medication. It includes medications such as oral pain relievers and arthritis creams. They are aimed at reducing joint pain and discomfort. In addition, patients may be prescribed specialized pills or injections directly into the joint.
In more serious cases, when supportive physical and drug therapy are not effective, patients may need surgery. In this case, the damaged bone or joint is replaced with a plastic, metal, or ceramic joint. In these cases, nurses play a valuable role, as their task becomes to prepare the patient for the invasive process and provide the necessary care after it.
References
Azizi, S., Dadarkhah, A., Rezasoltani, Z., Raeissadat, S. A., Mofrad, R. K., & Najafi, S. (2020). Randomized controlled trial of aquatic exercise for treatment of knee osteoarthritis in elderly people. Interventional Medicine and Applied Science, 11(3), 161–167. Web.
Hawker, G. A., & King, L. K. (2022). The burden of osteoarthritis in older adults. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 38(2), 181–192. Web.
Osteoarthritis. (n.d.). National Institute of Aging. Web.
Sun, X., Zhen, X., Hu, X., Li, Y., Gu, S., Gu, Y., & Dong, H. (2019). Osteoarthritis in the middle-aged and elderly in China: prevalence and influencing factors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(23), 4701. Web.