The Best Joints in Town

Helen Anderson
RN, MSN, GERO-BC
@HelloCare

Terms

• Osteo - bone
• arthr - joint
• itis - inflammation

Cartilage

• slippery tissue
• covers end of bones
• shock absorber
• stiffens with age

joint disorders

Osteoarthritis

• wear and tear
• cartilage wears down
• like other tissues, cartilage gets stiffer w/ age
• genetics - abnormal bones
• genetics - weaker cartilage
• base of thumb joint

OA in hands - Heberden's Nodes

• Bony growths on the finger joints of people with osteoarthritis (OA). Affect joints nearest the fingertips and can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Degradation of cartilage leads to direct bone contact and subsequent bone formation. Causes fingers to become deformed and results in loss of movement.

Joint Pain

• bones or surrounding tissue?
• comes and goes?
• which joints?

Joint Stiffness

• in the morning - lack of movement overnight causes joints to tighten
• muscles also feel stiff

Gout

• pain
• swelling
• redness
• starts in big toes
• crystals accumulate in the joints
• type of arthritis
• "Disease of Kings"

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• auto immune disease
• targets tissue lining in joints
• usually hands and feet
• women > men
• 30-60 common range

treatments

Supplements

• glucosamine, chondroitin
• collagen
• fish oil
• tumeric
• limited evidence for all
• check with doctor

Topical pain relief

• Voltarin gel - reduces inflammation
• Capsaicin cream - chili peppers
• Menthol cream - numbs the area

Oral Medications

• Tylenol/Ibuprofen - mild to moderate pain
• Opioids - moderate to severe pain.
• Arthritis accounts for 50% of opioid doses

Joint replacements

• damaged joint replaced with artificial
• metal, plastic or ceramic
• hip and knee most common
• 90% good outcomes
• 2 in 100 have complications like blood clots

be proactive

Joint Health Tips

• healthy wt - hips & knees
• exercise and stretch muscles
• strong muscles around joints provide support
• water lubricates joints - stay hydrated

any questions?