Bone and Joint Health

Question 1

Describe Osteoporosis

Answer 1

-“porous bones”
-characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD)
-diagnosed through a DEXA scan, but is presumed in older adults with nontraumatic fractures, a loss of >7.5cm in height, or kyphosis

Question 2

What are the nonmodifiable risk factors for osteoporosis?

Answer 2

female gender
white race
Northern European ancestry
advanced age
family history of osteoporosis

Question 3

What are the modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis?

Answer 3

low body weight
low calcium intake
estrogen deficiency
low testosterone
inadequate exercise or activity
use of steroids or anticonvulsants
excess coffee or alcohol intake
current cigarette smoking

Question 4

What are some pharmacological interventions for osteoporosis?

Answer 4

-adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D– current recommendation is 800-2000 IU for 50 yrs or older
-combination calcium-vitamin D
-bisphosphonates
-selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
-parathyroid hormone
-calcitonin

Question 5

Describe Arthritis

Answer 5

-refers to more than 100 diseases
-#1 reason for activity limitations from middle age onward
-most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Rheumatoid arthritis and Gout

Question 6

Describe Osteoarthritis

Answer 6

-a degenerative joint disease
-risk factors are increased age, obesity, family history, repetitive use or trauma of the joint
-the normal soft and resilient cartilaginous lining becomes thin and damaged
-the joint space narrows, and the bones of the joint rub together, causing destruction, pain, swelling, and loss of motion
-OA cannot be “cured” without a joint replacement

Question 7

Describe Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 7

-PMR is one of the more common inflammatory diseases seen in older adults
-PMR causes stiffness, especially in the morning, and lasts >1 hour
-severe stiffness and pain in the muscles and not the joints
-symptoms may be quickly relieved by small doses of corticosteroids

Question 8

Describe Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 8

-RA is a persistent, systemic inflammatory joint disorder and is considered an autoimmune disease
-products from the inflamed lining of the joint invade and destroy the cartilage and bone with the joint
-pain and swelling in multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern, generalized fatigue and malaise, and occasional fevers

Question 9

Describe Gout

Answer 9

-results from the accumulation of uric acid and crystals in a joint
-may be a one-time acute illness, or it may become a chronic condition with acute attacks
-the proximal joint of the great toe is the most common site
-pain in the affected joint, joint is bright, purple-red, hot, and too painful to touch

Question 10

What are the risk factors for Gout?

Answer 10

-high BP
-diet high in purines
-medications