What does OA mean in NURSING

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in joints. It occurs when the cushioning between bones wears down over time, leading to limited range of motion and difficulty with activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

Risk factors for developing Osteoarthritis include age, heredity, obesity, injury to the joint, lack of exercise, smoking or excessive alcohol use. Other medical conditions such as gout can also increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis.

If you experience pain or swelling in your joints that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter medications and persists for more than 2 weeks, you should see a doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor may order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis

Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight; avoiding activities that involve impact or sudden movements; engaging in regular moderate-intensity exercise like walking; getting adequate rest; managing stress; doing gentle stretching exercises; and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can all help to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis

Yes — treatments for osteoarthritis include exercise therapy; medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); topical creams containing capsaicin or menthol for localized relief; injections containing glucocorticoids or hyaluronic acid into painful joints; weight loss programs; physical therapy; lifestyle changes including avoiding activities that involve impact or sudden movements and focusing on maintaining joint flexibility through gentle stretching exercises; low-impact aerobic activity programs such as swimming or cycling; acupuncture treatments to reduce pain levels; cognitive behavioral therapy to learn coping skills when dealing with pain associated with arthritis