Word parts
What it means
The most common kind of arthritis. The smooth cartilage in a joint breaks down over time, so the bones rub, causing pain, stiffness and less movement, mostly in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Stiffness is usually short (under 30 minutes) after rest, and pain is worse with use and better with rest. Age, past joint injury and extra weight raise the risk.
For the nurse
Teach balance between rest and activity, low-impact exercise, weight loss when needed, heat or cold, and safe use of analgesican-ul-JEE-zikA drug that relieves pain.an- withoutalges pain-ic relating toFull entry . Assistive devices such as a cane can reduce strain on a painful joint.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | OA |
|---|---|
| Spanish | artrosis, osteoartritis |
| Also written | OA, osteoarthritic |
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
rheumatoid arthritis
A long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
musculoskeletal
Having to do with the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.