Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time and frequently causes chronic pain.

Joint pain and stiffness can become so severe that daily tasks become difficult. Osteoarthritis pain and
disability can cause depression and sleep disturbances. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that
cushions the ends of your bones in your joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is a tough, slick tissue
that allows for nearly frictionless joint motion. If the cartilage completely wears away, bone will rub
against bone.

Osteoarthritis is frequently referred to as a wear and tear condition. However, osteoarthritis affects the
entire joint, not just the cartilage. It alters the bone and deteriorates the connective tissues that hold
the joint together and connect muscle to bone. It also causes joint lining inflammation. The signs and
symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation, bone
spurs, swelling. For the nursing interventions use a buffer bed and positioning the bed as low when
sleeping this will reduce the possibility of injury from a fall while sleeping. Encourage client to lose
weight to decrease stress on weight-bearing joints, excess weight puts additional strain on the joints,
hastening the degradation of joint cartilage. Instruct the patient to exercise on the softest surface
available a soft and flat surface reduces the shaking of the patient's joints and the possibility of hurtful
steps that could aggravate the condition. Encoursge patient to take adequate balance diet rich in
calcium, phosporus, and vitamin D it is essential for bone formation, increase bone density and mass.
Instruct the patient that heat and cold treatments are beneficial for OA patients. Cold treatment reduces
inflammation and pain. Another common treatment modality for OA is heat. Heat increases blood flow
to the area, promotes healing, and relaxes muscles.