Osteoarthritis - Manageable scourge of aging

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases of aging. An overview of osteoarthritis including definition, joints affected, clinical course, a nd classification is provided. Contributing factors, such as age, sex, ethn icity, obesity, diet, estrogen, and activity are discussed. Nursing interve ntions encompass weight control, adequate nutrition, evaluation of hormone replacement therapy, exercise and muscle strengthening, the use of assistiv e devices, medication assessment, pain control, psychosocial support, and t he use of alternative therapies. Osteoarthritis can be successfully managed with the use of multifocal modalities.