Arthritis is considered as one of the major health conditions affecting a significant portion of the United States population. Even though the condition currently affects approximately 50 million adults in the country, it is not primarily an adulthood health condition. There are numerous cases of children suffering from arthritis, which implies that this condition is not uncommon among children. As a result of the prevalence of arthritis among children and adults, understanding the pathophysiology and symptoms of this condition has emerged as an important component in proper diagnosis and treatment. This paper examines the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in relation to the similarities and differences between the two conditions. The analysis includes a selection of two patient factors that could impact the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to different conditions involving inflammation of the joints such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dewing et al. (2012) states that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that affect individuals in the United States, particularly adults. While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis, these conditions differ in terms of pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. The underlying pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis differs though their basic manifestations involve the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that usually affects small joints in the feet and hands (Pfizer, 2016). Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder whose initial causes are unclear though genetics and environmental factors may trigger it (McPhee & Hammer, 2010). After the initial immune response is triggered, immune system cells generate inflammatory cytokines…
Socio-Ecological Assessment The population that I have selected is females, specifically adult females. The health condition that I have selected is arthritis. Arthritis is an issue that often afflicts older adults. It is a joint disorder that is the inflammation of joints, which can cause pain and can also be debilitating. There are different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. The reason for studying females in particular
Osteoarthritis Victims of Intimate Violence: Laci Peterson and Minh Dang Osteoarthritis refers to the form of arthritis affecting the joints of individuals, especially middle age and elderly members of the society (Walker, 2011). Osteoarthritis is known as 'OA' or wear and tear of the joints. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease or pathology affecting the entire joints, ligaments, linings of the joints, cartilage, and bones of the affected persons within the society. According
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis mostly affecting senior citizens progressively with age though trauma-induced osteoarthritis is also observed in younger people. Osteoarthritis occurs at the joints -- elbows, shoulders, knees and the digits of the hand. A projected 20 million people are in the United States are assumed to have osteoarthritis with about 50% of people over the age of 65 suffering, as evidenced by radiology studies.
(Osteoarthritis: The most common form, this disease affects 20.7 million Americans (usually over age 45). Furthermore, if one takes into account that many of these disorders have been attributed to the way that the female body has been adversely manipulated in patriarchic society, then this can also be seen as a determining social factor that impacts women with osteoarthritis. Psychological factors also play a role in this condition and can reduce
On the other hand a diet that is high in fruit and vegetable intake has also been found to increase the absorption of antioxidants and vitamins that help to manage the symptoms of this disease. Pineapples have been found to be effective in the control of inflammation in arthritis, as they contain bromelain enzymes. ".... bromelain enzymes block the prostaglandins that play a part in swelling. These enzymes have
Currently, osteoarthritis afflicts almost 1 out of 10 (9.6%) men and 2 out of 20 (18%) women aged 60 years and older (Woolf & Pfleger, 2003). As a result of increases in longevity, osteoarthritis is projected to become the fourth leading cause of disability by the year 2020 (Woolf & Pfleger, 2003). According to Brooks (2003), "Genetic factors determining the biochemical constituents of bone and cartilage may place individuals at
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