Osteoarthritis
Post Rehab Goals and Objectives:
- Increase / Maintain Functional Strength, Endurance, Functional Capacity and Joint Stability
- Increase Cardiovascular Capacity
- Increase / Maintain Range of Motion
- Improve / Maintain Joint Strength & Stability
Description
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by thinning and destruction of the articular cartilage, joints followed by remodeling of the underlining bony surfaces. Primarily OA is arthritis of a totally unknown cause. Secondary OA is that of a clearly recognized factor.
Articular cartilage is a very complex tissue. Articular cartilage also has three layers; the strongest layer is the superficial layer due to its high density of collagen fibers. The deep layer is the weakest due to low collagen density. Articular cartilage also acts as a shock absorber and reducer of friction. Normal human cartilage without injury, should last for 80 years and be able to absorb forces greater than 8 times an individuals body weight without compromise. The factors that seem to cause the destruction of articular cartilage and its deterioration in arthritis are 1-excessive body weight 2-Lack of joint surface congruency, lubrication and pathology 3-The integrity of ligaments and strength of surrounding muscles.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body. The medial compartment of the knee joint transmits a higher proportion of body weight than the lateral compartment. As the cartilage begins to degenerate, the stress of weight bearing frequently leads to narrowing of the medial compartment of the knee before the lateral compartment. This is associated with the development of various deformities. Pain associated with OA of the knee often is worse with high loading activities such as stair-climbing or prolonged standing. OA of the hip is common in older adults. As cartilage destruction proceeds, cyst like erosions may develop in the femoral head and in the Acetabulum. By the age of 70, 90% of the population will show evidence of degeneration in the spine which may not be symptomatic. The areas most affected are those where there is the greatest angulation and the most pronounced angular movement in the spine (C7 and L3-S1). The initial changes appear to be loss of elasticity in the fibers of the annulus fibrosis and the loss of water content in the nucleus.
Physical therapy and exercise form the foundation of treatment for arthritic client. The progress made with physical therapy should be maintained via a structured and supervised fitness program.