Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of osteoarthritis as follows: Compliance with exercise: Exercise helps to reduce pain & tenderness, improve strength & stability in the joint. Do not over do on the exercise recommended to a point that it leads to exacerbation of pain due to overuse of the joint involved. Check with your physician or therapist regarding recommendations for exercise to your inflamed joint. Observe compliance with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of osteoarthritis as follows: Control of pain and inflammation: Observe compliance with intake of pain medications, as prescribed. Individuals could be prescribed a wide range of pain medications, depending on the intensity of pain and severity of symptoms. In the initial stages of arthritis, individuals could be prescribed over-the-counter pain killers, such as, Tylenol. As the condition progresses and worsens, individuals could be [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved osteoarthritis as follows: Bone fracture: Chronic exposure of the bone and joint to inflammation and injury leads to severe damage to the structure of bone, thus weakening the framework, resulting in fracture of the bone. Bone death and infection: Chronic inflammatory activity in the joint with swelling can compromise blood supply to the joint. Blood supply to any tissue is important for nutrient and oxygen supply. Reduced [...]

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. [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved osteoarthritis as follows: Damage to the cartilage: Osteoarthritis involves damage to the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones and allows the bones to glide over each other. Articular cartilage minimizes the friction between the joints and makes the movement easier and pain free. Chronic unresolved osteoarthritis leads to complete lysis of the articular cartilage resulting in loose tissue material. Also, total shrinking of the joint [...]