Question

Mr. F is a 38-year-old man in overall good health who has been complaining about an aching pain in his knees when working around the house and often when simply walking. He has noticed that his knees feel "hard" and tight. His history indicates that he has always been involved in athletics and was on the college football team, but recently family responsibilities and work have not made it easy for him to exercise.

1. Relate Mr. F’s case history to the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. (See Osteoarthritis.)
2. How do anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics help Mr. F deal with this form of arthritis? Why is moderate, non–weight-bearing exercise recommended? (See Osteoarthritis—Pathophysiology, pe, Treatment.)
3. What is the probable prognosis for Mr. F?

Answer 1

Answers and Explanation:

1) Mr. F's case fits the description of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common disease that occurs when the articular cartilage wears down. This cartilage covers the ends of the bones in order to provide a smooth surface where the bones that are articulating can move fluidly against one another. As a result of these surfaces having less articular cartilage, the patient suffering osteoarthritis will experience pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, and inflammation, among other symptoms. All of these relate to Mr. F's case. The fact that this disease appeared after he stopped exercising, can also relate to how osteoarthritis can be prevented by staying active physically.

2) Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics can help Mr. F with his symptoms, since these drugs will decrease swelling and pain, respectively. Moderate, non-weight-bearing exercise is recommended for Mr. F because exercise has been proven to slow the progression of this non-curable disease, but he shouldn't be bearing weights because that could worsen the state of his knees.

3) If Mr. F follows the doctor's recommendations, he will experience less pain and stiffness, but unfortunately, this disease has no cure. Given the location of the articular cartilage's degeneration, it is likely that he will develop a limp and experience some deformity in the curves of his legs.