Aging & Common Problems Flashcards
What happens to joints as they age?
-decreased production of synovial fluid
-thinning of articular cartilage
-shortening of ligaments
-loss of flexibility
What is a degenerative disease of joints?
osteoarthritis
What is wear & tear arthritis?
osteoarthritis
What happens in osteoarthritis?
-cartilage softens, cracks, and erodes
-bony spurs develop
What are some preventative measures to combat aging joints?
stretching and aerobic exercise
Why does stretching and aerobic exercise help?
-maintains flexibility of structures
-mild pressure on hyaline cartilage
What is the effect of mild pressure on hyaline cartilage?
forces some nutrient rich synovial fluid into the cartilage helping in maintenance
Torn cartilage
-often involves the menisci
-other joints
-arthroscopy
Dislocation (luxation)
-accompanied by sprains
-subluxation is a partial dislocation
Sprain
-forcible wrenching or twisting of a joint
-stretch or tear of ligaments
-no bone dislocation
-may damage surround blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and nerves
-swelling
What does PRICE stand for?
protection
rest
ice
compression
elevation
Bursitis
-inflammation of bursa
-swelling
Example of bursitis
student’s elbow
Tendinitis
inflammation of tendons
example of tendonitis
trigger finger
Arthritis
-pain, stiffness and swelling of joints
-more than 100 inflammatory or degenerative disorders
Example of arthritis
Rheumatoid; chronic inflammation, autoimmune
Synovitis
inflammation of synovial membrane leading to excess fluid production inside the joint capsule
What is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
synovitis
Tenosynovitis
inflammation of tendon or tendon sheath
