I came across a female patient who is 67 years old presented with chief complaints of severe knee pain and came to hospital for general follow up. This patient is a known case of hypertension and Bronchial asthma. Upon evaluation the radiographic findings of the knee revealed that this patient is diagnosed with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition. It affects the entire joint which results in progressive loss of cartilage and causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. According to the World Health Organization with increase in population and increasing rates of obesity and injury, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases globally.
The patient has undergone Total Knee Replacement Surgery. The treatment for this patient was mainly focused on reducing pain, improving joint function and slowing the symptom progression.
This case taught me that it is crucial to ensure medication safety and counsel patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Osteoarthritis is a condition which requires careful patient centered management especially in elderly people with other health conditions.
Are we paying enough attention to joint pain before it silently limits a patient’s independence?
MBH/AB