musculoskeletal malfunctions.

Question 1

description of arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 1

the smooth cartilage erodes (mainly hands, spine, knees and hips) allowing the bones to rub together.
cartilage on the end of the bones, becomes thin, though and damaged.

Question 2

symptoms of arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 2

inflammation (hot joints) and restricted movement.

Question 3

what are the risks/causes of arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 3

1. repeated movement
2. sports (athletics).
3. manual work (farming/building)

Question 4

what is the age affected for arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 4

mainly 65+

Question 5

how do you monitor arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 5

1. impact on lifestyle
2. clinical observation
3. x-ray

Question 6

what is the treatment for arthritis: osteoarthritis.

Answer 6

1. assistive devices
2. HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
3. losing weight
   weight barring exercises
4. non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

Question 7

what are the risks of HRT?

Answer 7

increased risk of strokes, blood clots and some cancers.

Question 8

description of osteoporosis.

Answer 8

accelerated natural bone thinning
spongy bone holes becoming wider and larger bone density decreased.

Question 9

what are the symptoms of osteoporosis

Answer 9

as there is no pain the only sign is often and easy fracture on the wrists, hips, ribs and vertebrae are most common.

Question 10

what is the ages most affected by osteoporosis

Answer 10

45+ but mainly late 50s/60s

Question 11

what are the risks/causes of osteoporosis

Answer 11

1. falling oestrogen levels (bone loss)
2. post menopausal women.
3. low testosterone in men
4. smoking and alcohol.
5. low vitamin D and calcium
6. lack of exercise.

Question 12

how do you monitor osteoporosis

Answer 12

1. impact on lifestyle
2. clinical observation
3. x-ray
4. bone density scan
5. blood tests.

Question 13

what is the treatment for osteoporosis

Answer 13

1. calcium and vitamin D supplements
2. HRT (Hormone replacement therapy).
3. testosterone (treatment to strengthen bones)
4. weight barring exercises
5. physiotherapy/strengthening exercises
6. bisphosphonate medication.

Question 14

description of rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 14

1. this is an autoimmune disease where antibodies attack the lining of joints causing swelling and pain.
2. joint cartilage breaks down and the synovial membrane thickens, swelling causes pain and the joint can change shape or seize up over time.

Question 15

what are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 15

the exact cause is unknown however:
1. smoking
2. family history
3. female (low oestrogen) are all factors.

Question 16

what are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 16

1. inflammation (swollen/red joints)
2. pain

Question 17

how do you monitor rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 17

1. bone density scan
2. x-ray
3. blood tests

Question 18

what is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 18

1. DMARS (try to block your immune system that attacks joints)
2. physiotherapy (improving fitness and strength)
3. pain killers
4. assistive devices
5. NSAIDS
6. joint replacements for joints beyond repair.

Question 19

what are the cons of living with osteoporosis and arthritis?

Answer 19

1. tired for not being able to sleep properly due to pain
2. poor mobility
3. may develop stooped posture which can cause discomfort
4. frighten to go out due to the fear of breaking bones.
5. needing to think ahead to prevent falling over things
6. strenuous exercise can cause pain, having a fear of doing too much.