Joint-related disorders represent a major challenge during middle age. Describe three examples of joint problems—osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis—focusing on issues of impact and treatment

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become porous and extremely easy to break. In severe cases, osteoporosis can cause spinal vertebrae to collapse, causing the person to stoop and to become shorter. Prevention of osteoporosis involves ingesting enough dietary calcium and vitamin D. Bone mineral density can be tested by having a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test, which measures bone density at the hip and spine. Biophosphonates slow the process of bone breakdown by helping to maintain bone density during menopause. Raloxifene is also approved for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis is a disease marked by gradual onset of bone damage with progression of pain and disability together with minor signs of inflammation from wear and tear. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, spine, hips, and knees. Effective management approaches consist mainly of taking certain steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs, getting plenty of rest and doing nonstressful exercises that focus on range of motion, making dietary modifications, and using a variety of homeopathic remedies. Rheumatoid arthritis is a destructive disease of the joints that develops slowly. Most often, a pattern of morning stiffness and aching develops in the fingers, wrists, and ankles on both sides of the body. There is no cure, but there are several treatment approaches. NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs are commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rest and passive range-of-motion exercises are also helpful.