Osteoarthritis: A Discussion

Mr. G. P has been active for a very long time in a very technical occupation. His movement from place to place may have exacerbated his vulnerability to wear and tear. His joints particularly given his handling and moving up and down during his 40 years of hard work. Such wear and tear mainly contributed to arthritis, commonly Osteoarthritis, which consists of severe pain in the affected part. Having undergone a diagnosis, Mr. G. P is suffering from this rare form of arthritis.

Based on G. P’s case, treating his osteoarthritis diagnosis would mean getting him to a point where he can control the pain and the swelling on his knee (Newberry et al., 2017). Doing so will be en route to enhancing his recovery and cultivating a good quality of life. It also reduces chances for disability through maintaining improved mobility and functionalism (Newberry et al., 2017). Another goal is to bring Mr. G. P closer to the disease management process through educating him (Newberry et al., 2017). Furthermore, the aim is to maintain his physical functioning, body stimulation, vibration, and aqua-therapy can help restore G. P’s muscle strength that supports his affected joints and also help him increase his range of motion (Newberry et al., 2017). These processes will positively impact his daily living.

Being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis mostly means that a patient cannot go back to their usual physical self. Nevertheless, the patient can undergo rehabilitation through treatment which helps reduce pain and increase their ability to move from place to place (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). Therefore, applying a multimodal treatment approach with pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment would be a recommendable prescription for the patient. Moreover, Mr. G. P can use Acetaminophen such as Tylenol, especially since his situation is rather mildly painful (Arthritis Foundation, 2021). Acetaminophen’s adequate pain control can be achieved through its application with therapy and good compliance for 4-6 weeks. It can also be supported with less joint load (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). That is, giving him a maximum dosage of 1g TID depending on his alcohol use history, if any, and his liver functionality. Nevertheless, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) have a more effective dosage and are taken orally, and contain enzymes critical in countering swelling and pain that Mr. G. P is experiencing as a result of Osteoarthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2021).

Furthermore, there should be a two-week long pain control monitoring for acetaminophen with evaluation to avoid toxic effects caused by NSAIDs which can lead to chronic effects. Moreover, there should be lab tests including BUN, ECG, Liver function test, and Serum creatinine before going ahead with any analgesics meant for chronic use (Kielly et al., 2017). NSAIDs also require his blood pressure for the last week to determine his dosage requirements (Kielly et al., 2017). Other important tests include CBC, Lipid panel, and HbA1c. Furthermore, Mr. G. P can undergo imaging whereby there is Xray done on his knee and an abdominal ultrasound (Kielly et al., 2017). Oral NSAIDs for his second-line treatment can include Naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors especially if hepatoxicity takes place.

Despite offering Mr. G. P NSAIDS treatment therapy, it is also critical to provide him with an education that he can use in his recovery process. For instance, it is important for a patient to take NSAIDs drugs with food and if the patient is vulnerable to risk of GI effects from taking NSAIDs, he takes it with misoprostol or pump inhibitors (Goff et al., 2021). He can also be educated on assertive walking with a cane to enhance the stiffness in his knee. Nevertheless, the main point of education is to help keep the patient active to improve their mobility capability (Goff et al., 2021). It also emphasizes massaging the muscles around the knee and wearing heel-less shoes (Goff et al., 2021).

References

Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Learn about pain Meds for Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/comparing-pain-meds-for-osteoarthritis

Goff, A. J., De Oliveira Silva, D., Merolli, M., Bell, E. C., Crossley, K. M., & Barton, C. J. (2021). Patient education improves pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis with better effects when combined with exercise therapy: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2021.06.011

Kielly, J., Davis, E. M., & Marra, C. (2017). Practice guidelines for pharmacists: The management of Osteoarthritis. Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada, 150(3), 156-168. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517702168

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, June 16). Osteoarthritis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930

Newberry, S. J., FitzGerald, J., & SooHoo, N. F. (2017). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the knee: An updated review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). https://doi.org/10.23970/ahrqepccer190