Condition Lookup

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Sub-Category:

Osteoarthritis

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Symptoms:
joint pain; stiffness; limited range of motion; swelling; bone spurs; grating sensation during joint movement

Root Cause:
The gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and joint damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, patient history, imaging studies (X-ray, MRI), and joint fluid analysis to rule out other conditions.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, physical therapy), pain management, assistive devices, and surgery (joint replacement) for severe cases.

Medications:
Acetaminophen for mild pain; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation; corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation; and hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 32.5 million adults in the U.S., particularly those aged 50 and older.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, obesity, joint injuries, genetics, and repetitive joint use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive; symptoms can be managed with treatment, but cartilage loss is irreversible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, decreased mobility, joint deformity, and increased risk of falls.

Paget’s Disease of Bone

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Musculoskeletal Disorders

Sub-category: Bone Disorders

Symptoms:
bone pain; bowing of the legs; enlarged skull; hearing loss; increased risk of fractures

Root Cause:
Disrupted bone remodeling process, where excessive bone resorption is followed by abnormal new bone formation, leading to weakened and deformed bones.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated alkaline phosphatase), X-rays, bone scans, and sometimes bone biopsy.

Treatment:
Bisphosphonates to reduce bone turnover, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed for fractures or deformities.

Medications:
Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate , risedronate , or zoledronic acid) to inhibit bone resorption; calcitonin for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-3% of individuals over age 50, more common in men.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advancing age, family history, and European ancestry.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with treatment; untreated, it can lead to significant complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bone fractures, arthritis, nerve compression, and rarely, osteosarcoma.