Definition
Osteo arthritis (OA) is one of the degenerative andchronic conditions affecting people all over the world. It is more common in elderly, however younger age group populations and athletes are also susceptible.
In OA degenrative changes occur around the joint. it is most commonly seen in the knee joint. The structure undergoing the most degenrative changes is the articular cartilage of the knee joint. This leads to pain, and functional decline.
The muscles around knee joint are quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, abductors and adductors. These muscles help in stability and strength training of these muscles helps in preventing pain.
Causes-
- Injury
- occupational activities
- obesity
- sedentary lifestyle
- Poor postural habits
- Heavy lifting
- Long hours of sitting
- Being overweight
- Impact sports- increases risk of high impact injuries
- congenital deficits such as leg length discrepancy
- hormonal imbalances
- diabetes
- family history of OA
clinical scenario and assessment findings –
- pain- young people usually have higher pain tolerance
- clicking sound
- muscle weakness
- poor functional performance
- restricted range after injuries
management of osteo arthritis-
- pharmacological interventions- similar to management in the elderly. Use of NSAIDs helps relieve pain.
- disease-related education- understanding the pathology behind OA and focusing towards preventive measures, and a healthy lifestyle
- activity modification- avoiding prolonged sitting , avoidance of sedentary lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating healthy diet and implementing an exercise program
- ergonomic changes
Prevention of osteo arthritis-
- maintenance of a healthy weight
- low-impact activities
- healthy diet
- strength training
- performance based training
- maintain vit d and calcium levels
- exercising regularly
- taking breaks for sedentary jobs
- avoiding sedentary and inactive lifestyle
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