overview Flashcards
Osteoarthritis (OA)
- define
- characteristics
- onset
- degenerative joint disease, attacks hyaline cartilage of synovial-lined joints
- characterized by breakdown of articular cartilage and reactive new bone formation
- cartilage softens–>large sections wear away–>dec. joint space–>new bone formation–>bone on bone contact
- non-inflammatory (secondary inflammation may occur)
- onset: slowly over period of years
OA: joints affected
- individual joints
- neck, spine, hips, knees, MTPs, DIPs, PIPs, thumb CMCs, weight bearing joints
OA: symptoms/clinical features
- joint pain
- stiffness
- tenderness
- limited movement
- variable degrees of local inflammation
- crepitus
- morning stiffness <30 mins
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- define
- characteristics
- onset
- chronic, systemic inflammatory condition. possibly autoimmune inflammatory response in joint lining
- synovitis: inflammation of synovial membrane that lines joint capsules
- joint swelling from excess synovial fluid, thickening joint capsule-weakens capsule, distends ligaments
- synovial membrane activity destroys cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, scar tissue forms causing rigidity
- may have exacerbations and flare-ups & remissions
- onset: often suddenly, within weeks or months
Two categories of RA
- reversible signs and symptoms due to acute inflammatory synovitis
- irreversible cumulative structural damage (from recurrent synovitis)
RA: joints affected
- polyarticular, symmetric
- neck, jaw, hips, knees, ankles, MTPs, shoulders, elbows, wrists, PIPs, MCPs, thumb joints
RA: symptoms/clinical features
- low-grade fever
- fatigue
- malaise
- extra-articular manifestations
- symmetric polyarticular pain and swelling
- morning stiffness >/1 hr, often >2 hrs
- synovial inflammation: warm, spongy, erythematous joints
Four stages of RA inflammatory process
- acute
- subacute
- chronic active
- chronic inactive
*stages may overlap
symptoms of acute RA
- limited mvmt
- pain and tenderness at rest that increase with movement
- overall stiffness
- weakness
- tingling
- numbness
- hot/red joints
symptoms of subacute RA
- limited mvmt
- tingling
- decrease in pain and tenderness
- stiffness limited to AM
- joints appear pink and warm
symptoms of chronic active RA
- less tingling, pain, and tenderness
- increased tolerance of activity
- endurance remains low
symptoms of chronic inactive RA
- no signs of inflammation
- low endurance, pain, and stiffness due to disuse
Most common joint changes usually seen in RA
- wrist radial deviation
- MP ulnar deviation
- swan neck
- boutonniere
OT eval for arthritis
- ct hx
- occupational profile
- occupational performance status
- cognitive, psychologic, social status
- clinical status
Clinical status: eval components
- inflammation
- ROM
- strength
- hand function
- stiffness
- pain
- sensation
- joint instability and deformity (instability can lead to deformity)
- physical endurance
- functional mobility
Signs of inflammation and synovitis indicate________
active disease process
Types of swelling: effusion
- excess fluid in the joint capsule
- seen as fusiform swelling that is spindle shaped and conforms to the shape of the joint
Types of swelling: boggy
- thin and full of fluid
- puffy, spongy, soft to the touch
- seen in early active stages of synovitis
What is it called when a ct.’s AROM is significantly less than their PROM? What causes this?
- lag
- caused by pain, weakness, mechanical inefficiencies due to joint damage
How is strength testing in clients with arthritis different from normal testing procedures?
Resistance is applied at the end range of pain-free motion rather than at the true end of the ROM.
Muscle atrophy indicates_________ and __________
- severe weakness
- possible nerve compression
Signs of intrinsic hand atrophy
- flattening of thenar and hypothenar eminences
- hallowing between metacarpals on dorsal aspect of hand
standardized & non-standardized tests of hand function
- Jebson-Taylor Hand Function Test (use for ct.s over 5yrs old; ok for ct’s with disabilities that impact hand function)
- observation of ct performing common functional tasks requiring various grasp and prehensile patterns.
Intervention: overarching goals
- decrease pain
- protect joints
- increase function