Emily Wark

3/8/14
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis or OA is one of the most common disease in the human body, it becomes
almost universal at the age of 70 but can begin as early as 40 years old. (Porter & Burlingame,
2006). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant world-wide health problem owing to the progressive
and debilitating nature of the condition which results in high morbidity and a marked decrease in
the quality of life. (Malemud, 1999). OA is the chronic degeneration of synovial joints from
wear over a life time. The cartilage at the ends of the bones within the joint capsule over time
undergoes erosion. Sometimes cartilage breaks off into the synovial fluid and causes grinding
and crunching with bone movement. This causes friction between the bones leading to
inflammation pain and swelling. . (Porter & Burlingame, 2006) The pain it causes can be so
debilitating that is ranked in the top ten of disabling diseases in the developed countries. (Misso
et al., 2008)
According to the Recreational Therapy Handbook of Practice the joints that are
commonly affected by OA are the hands, knees, hips, and spine. The hand can have knobs appear
on the fingers or the base of the thumb. The distal knobs are called Heberdens nodes, while the
proximal are called Brochards nodes. The hands of are mostly effect women and tends to run in
families. The knees are commonly effected, similarly to the hips they both can be the cause of
pain and stiffness. The spine can cause numbness and weakness in arms and legs. . (Porter &
Burlingame, 2006)
There are many secondary problems that can be caused by OA such as muscle atrophy,
pain, sexual dysfunction, upper and lower extremity weakness and numbness, and sedentary life
style. Other can be cardiopulmonary endurance and psychological changes. (Porter &
Burlingame, 2006) For cardiopulmonary OA is systemic, affecting the whole musculoskeletal

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system. (Aspden, 2008) The pain and the stiffness put strain on the body system as a whole. The
loss of function and in some cases a loss of self-sufficiency can cause depression, anxiety, and
feelings of helplessness. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
A holistic view of care seems to be the best way to address the situation. There is a need
to assess the whole patient, not just the sore joint. (Aspden, 2008) Exercise coupled with rest
and joint care, pain management, and weight control can keep the OA under control. While
focusing on the psychological health, stress management, and relaxation training can help with
the secondary problems of anxiety and depression. In a lot of cases OA is treated with surgery to
replace or smooth out the bones of the joint. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
Body Functions
B7102
This code is mobility of joints generalized. It is the function of the range of ease of
movement of joints throughout the body.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
The joints are the main thing under attack when OA sets in and it can impair the range of
motion. The joints can also be in any synovial joint around the body so it is extremely
generalized. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
B28016
This is the code for pain that is specific to pain in joints. This includes pain in hip and
shoulder. Large and small joints can be effected equally.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
OA is joint pain and stiffness. The pain at some points can be completely debilitating. This
code also indicates possible damage also prominent in OA. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)

Emily Wark
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B4550
This is the code for general physical exercise. It is the overall function of physical
exercise and stamina.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
This code would cover the patients ability to exercise. One of the major recommended
interventions is exercise because it increases stretch and range of motion while decreasing stress
and depression. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
Activities and Participation
D5702
This is code for maintaining ones health. It requires looking after oneself to try and
prevent illness. This includes following medical advice and accepting help when it is needed. It
also is avoiding physical harm, and communicable diseases.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
A major way of caring for OA because is chronic is caring for the body and maintaining
ones health. It is key to work with the medical team to keep the pain under control. All playing a
role in having a healthy lifestyle. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
D2303
This the code for Managing ones own activity level. It is the code for carrying out
actions and behaviors to arrange the requirements in energy and time for day-to-day procedures.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
This also follows the lines of having a healthy life style and exercising. The exercising has
to be dependent on the joint care. Over working can be very detrimental to OA so managing
ones activity is very important. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)

Emily Wark
3/8/14
D175
Problem solving deals with finding solutions to questions or situations. It requires
identifying and analyzing issues to work towards a solution.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
When a person is faced with the sudden change in mobility they have to learn how to
adapt to the limitations they experience. This would include knowing which resources are
available within the community. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)
Environmental Factors
E1100
This is the code for food. This includes homemade, processed or manufactured foods.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
An issue with OA is the possibility of a sedentary life style, where obesity becomes a
secondary issue as well. Food and eating healthy is part of the overall wellness. (Porter &
Burlingame, 2006)
E1401
This is the code for assistive products and technology for culture, recreation, and sports.
This includes adaptive technology.
Discussion of Relevancy to Diagnosis
As some mobility is lost adaptive materials may be necessary to continue doing activities.
These could assist with things requiring gripping or reaches. (Porter & Burlingame, 2006)

Emily Wark
3/8/14
References
Aspden, R. M. (2008). Osteoarthritis: a problem of growth not decay?.Rheumatology, 47(10),
1452-1460.
Malemud, C. J. (1999). Fundamental pathways in osteoarthritis: an overview.Front Biosci, 4,
D659-61.
Misso, M. L., Pitt, V. J., Jones, K. M., Barnes, H. N., Piterman, L., & Green, S. E. (2008).
Quality and consistency of clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of
osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: a descriptive overview of published guidelines. Med J
Aust, 189(7), 394-399.
Porter, H. R., & Burlingame, J. (206). Recreational therapy handbook of practice. (2nd ed. P.1
105-108,). Enumclaw,WA: Idyll Arbor, Inc.