Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved osteoarthritis as follows:
Nerve damage:
- Inflamed joints can exert pressure on the nerves running close to the joint involved, leading to neuropathy.
- Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of neuropathy, such as, nerve pain, altered sensation, tingling& numbness along the area of distribution of the involved nerve, sharp radiating burning pain along the distribution of the nerve, and weakness of muscles supplied by the involved nerve.
Limited range of motion:
- The pain and swelling can lead to stiffness and limitation in the range of motion (ROM) of the involved joints.
Compromised independence on ADL/IADL performance:
- The pain and tenderness with limitation of range of motion in the joints involved can lead to reduced ability and independence on ADL/IADL performance.
- This can contribute to overall compromised activity and caregiver dependent states.
Increased risk for clot formation:
- Reduced activity of the individual with limited ROM of the involved joints, especially of lower extremities, lead to increased pooling of blood in the limb.
- This can increase the risk for clot formation in the deeper veins of the limb, thus contributing to development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated complications.
