Black widow spider: Definition, toxic element, Symptoms, Treatment at home, Expectations and prognosis

Black widow spider


Definition

The black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) has a glossy black body with a red hourglass on the ventral area. The bite of this spider is poisonous.

This is for information purposes only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual toxic exposure.

toxic element

The venom of black widow spider contains toxic chemicals that make people sick.

Where is

The black widow spider is found throughout the United States, but mainly in the south and west. Usually found in barns, sheds, stone walls, fences, piles of logs, garden furniture and other outdoor structures.

Symptoms

The first symptom is usually pain similar to a puncture with a pin and the sensation experienced when actually carried out the sting of the spider. However, some people do not feel. It can be mild redness and swelling present.

From 15 minutes to an hour later, a dull muscle pain radiates from the area of the bite throughout the body.

* If the bite is in the upper body, most often feel pain in the chest.
* If bitten on the lower body, most will feel the pain in the abdomen.

You can also submit the following symptoms:

* Anxiety
* Shortness of breath
* Extremely painful muscle cramps
* Headache
* Hypertension
* Increased salivation
* Increased sweating
* Muscle weakness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Numbness
* Restlessness
* Seizures (usually seen just before death in children)

Pregnant women may have contractions and premature birth.

Treatment at home

Look for urgent medical treatment immediately. Wrap ice in a cloth fabric or similar material and place it on the site of the bite, leaving him 10 minutes and removed 10. Repeat this process.




Determine the following information:

* Age, weight and condition of the patient
* Time at which the bite occurred
* Area where the bite occurred
* Type of spider, if possible


The doctor measures and monitors patient vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The symptoms can be treated with a variety of therapies, such as:

* Drugs antihipertensores
* Muscle relaxants
* Analgesics

In severe cases, it should be administered an antidote to neutralize the toxic effect. However, this drug may cause dangerous allergic reactions.

Expectations (prognosis)

Severe symptoms usually disappear in 2 to 3 days, but milder symptoms may persist for several weeks. Death is uncommon in a normally healthy person, but young children, the very sick and the elderly can not survive a bite of this spider.

Funnel web spider in: Definition, Toxic element, Symptoms, Treatment at home and Progmosis

Funnel web spider in

Definition

This article describes the effects of a bite in the funnel web spider, the males are more poisonous than females.

This is for information purposes only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual toxic exposure.

Toxic element

* Venom of the spider cloth funnel



Where is

Spider web in the funnel is located in southeast Australia, around Sydney. They are a species native to the United States, although some people can keep as exotic pets.

Symptoms

Bites into the funnel web spider is extremely painful and cause numbness or tingling, especially in the mouth or lips for 10 to 15 minutes. These bites can be very dangerous and is known to have caused all the symptoms listed below:

* Eyes, ears, nose and throat
or droopy eyelids
or double vision
or difficulty swallowing
* Heart and blood
or collapse
or hypertension
or rapid heart rate
Lungs *
or difficulty breathing
* Muscles and joints
or joint pain
or severe muscle spasms, usually in the legs and the ventral area
* Nervous System
or chills
or coma
or headache
or numbness of the mouth and lips
* Skin
or redness around the bite site
or excessive sweating
* Stomach and intestines
or diarrhea
or nausea
or vomiting

Treatment at home

Bites into the funnel web spider is extremely poisonous. It should seek immediate medical attention and call the Poison Center for guidance. Also, apply a bandage and firm pressure on the sting and immobilize the affected area, if possible, to prevent the spread of venom.

Before calling the emergency service Back to Top

You must determine the following information:

* Age, weight and condition of the patient
Identify the insect, if possible
* Time when the bite occurred


If possible, it is recommended to bring the container of the substance to the hospital.

The doctor measures and monitors patient vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The symptoms are treated in an appropriate manner.

The patient may receive an antidote, whether it is available.

Expectations (prognosis)

Bites into the funnel web spider is potentially fatal, especially in children and should be treated quickly with an antidote by an experienced physician.

Arachnodactyly or achromachia: Definition, Common Causes and General considerations

Arachnodactyly or achromachia

Alternative Names
Spider fingers; Dolicostenomelia; Acromacria

Definition

It is a physical condition in which the fingers are long, thin and curved, resembling the legs of a spider.

General considerations

Long, slender fingers can be a normal feature that is not associated with any health problems. However, in some cases, the tendency to express spider fingers can indicate an underlying disease.

Common Causes

*Homocystinuria
* Marfan Syndrome
* Other rare genetic disorders

Note: having long, slender fingers can be normal.



You must call the doctor if

Some babies are born with arachnodactyly, although it can develop over time. The person must consult with the doctor during a routine examination if your child has long slender fingers and was concerned that there may be an underlying condition.

What you can expect at the doctor's

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history, including:

* Standard time:
or When for the first time he noticed that his fingers had made this way?
* Family history:
o Is there a family history of early death?
o Is there a family history of inherited disorders known?
* Symptoms:
o What other symptoms are also present?
or Have you noticed any other unusual aspect?

Normally not necessary diagnostic tests, unless there is a suspicion of an inherited disorder.

Rheumatoid Arthritis : Definition, Other Names, Causes and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treatment and medicines, SURGERY and PHYSIOTHERAPY

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Definition

It is a chronic disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs.

Alternative Names

RA, rheumatoid arthritis

Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered an autoimmune disease and its cause is unknown. The body's immune system normally fights foreign substances such as viruses. But in an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses healthy tissues or taking as foreign substances, and as a result, the body attacking itself.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and women are affected more often than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally, with the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, ankles and body parts most commonly affected. The course and severity of rheumatoid arthritis can vary considerably. Infection, genes and hormones may contribute to this disease.

Symptoms

The disease usually begins gradually with:

* Fatigue
* Inappetence
* Morning stiffness (lasting more than an hour)
* Muscle aches widespread
* Weakness

Finally, there is joint pain. When the joint is not in use for some time, may become warm, sensitive and rigid. When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, produces more fluid and the joint swells. The joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body and can affect the wrists, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, fingers, hands and feet, ankles and neck.

Additional symptoms include:

* Anemia due to insufficient bone marrow to produce enough new red blood cells
* Burning, itching and discharge from the eye
* Deformities of hands and feet
* Range of motion limited
* Fever
* Inflammation of the lungs (pleurisy)
* Round, painless nodules under the skin (usually a sign of a more severe disease)
* Numbness or tingling
* Paleness
* Redness or swelling of the skin
* Swollen lymph nodes

The destruction of the joint may occur in a matter of one to two years after the onset of the disease.

Examinations and tests

Availability of a specific blood test to diagnose and differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. This test is called a review of antipeptidos cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP). Other tests that can be done include:

* Complete Blood Count
* C-Reactive Protein
* Erythrocytic sedimentation rate
* Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of joints
* Radiographs of the joints
* Rheumatoid factor (positive in approximately 75% of people with symptoms)
* Analysis of the synovial fluid

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis usually requires lifelong treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, exercise, education and possibly surgery. Aggressive treatment and appropriate for this type of arthritis can slow the destruction of the joint.

MEDICINES

Medicines disease-modifying antirheumatic (DMARD stands for English) are the current treatment of reference for cases of rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to rest, strengthening exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is the most commonly used DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide (Arava) may be replaced by methotrexate. These drugs are associated with toxic side effects, so one needs frequent blood tests when you are taking.

Anti-inflammatory medications: These include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Although NSAIDs work well, their prolonged use can cause stomach problems such as ulcers and bleeding, and possible heart problems. NSAIDs now come with warning labels on the product to warn users about an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Antimalarial drugs: This group of drugs includes hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), typically used in combination with methotrexate. However, it may take weeks or months to see any benefit of these drugs.

Corticosteroids: These drugs work well to reduce joint swelling and inflammation. However, due to the potential side effects long-term corticosteroids should be taken only for a short time and at low doses where possible.

Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): These drugs block an enzyme called a promoter of COX-2 inflammation. Initially it was believed that these drugs work as well as traditional NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, numerous reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to reassess the risks and benefits of COX-2. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still available, but labeled with strong warnings and a recommendation that it be prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Talk to your doctor about whether these COX-2 inhibitors are appropriate for you.

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS:

Specific modulators of white blood cells: These treatments control the inflammation and effectively include:

* Orencio (abatacept), applied under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous) once a month. Reduce the number of T cells (a type of white blood cell).
* Rituxan (rituximab), applied under the skin or into a vein twice a year. Reduce the number of B cells (a type of white blood cell).

Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF): This relatively new type of drug blocks a protein in the body involved in producing inflammation. Administered intravenously and directly include:

* Adalimumab (Humira)
* Etanercept (Enbrel)
* Infliximab (Remicade)

SURGERY

Occasionally, surgery is needed to correct severely affected joints. Surgeries can relieve joint pain, correct deformities, and modestly improve joint function.

The most successful surgeries are those performed in knees and hips. Usually the first treatment is surgical synovectomy or removal of the lining of the joint (synovial membrane).

A further alternative is total joint replacement with a prosthetic joint. In extreme cases, complete replacement of the hip or knee can mean the difference between total dependence on others and to live independently at home.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

The exercises range or range of motion and individualized exercise programs prescribed by a physiotherapist can slow the loss of joint function.

Joint protection techniques, treatments with heat and cold and the use of splints or orthotic devices to support and align joints may be very useful.

Sometimes, therapists use special machines to apply deep heat or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Occupational therapists can construct splints for your hand and wrist, and teach how to best protect and use your joints when they are affected by arthritis. They also show people how to cope better with daily tasks at work and at home, despite the limitations caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended frequent rest periods between activities, as well as 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

Support Groups

To find additional resources and information, see the section on support groups for arthritis.

Expectations (prognosis)

It should do blood tests or urine regularly to determine how well medications are working and whether they are causing any side effects.

Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person. People with rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antipeptidos cyclic citrullinated or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe form of the disease. People who develop rheumatoid arthritis at an early age also appear to worsen more quickly.

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are working full time. However, after many years, approximately 10% of patients with this type of arthritis to become severely disabled and unable to perform simple tasks of daily living such as washing, dressing and eating.

In the past the average life expectancy for a patient with this type of arthritis could be reduced from 3 to 7 years and those with severe forms of the disease often died 10 to 15 years earlier than expected. However, as we have improved the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, severe disability and life-threatening complications have decreased significantly and in many people lead relatively normal lives.

Possible Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that not only destroys joints, which can compromise nearly all organs.

Can present a potentially fatal complication in the joints when the cervical spine (neck bones) becomes unstable as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of this type of arthritis that can lead to ulceration and skin infections present, bleeding gastric ulcers and neurological problems that cause pain, numbness or tingling. Vasculitis may also affect the brain, nerves and heart, which can cause stroke, heart attack and heart failure.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the exterior of the heart to become inflamed (pericarditis) and cause heart complications. Also may be inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, and both conditions can lead to the development of congestive heart failure.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis can also cause serious side effects. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor immediately.

When contacting a medical professional Back to top

Consult your doctor if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is often possible to prevent major damage to the joints with proper treatment to onset of the disease.

Quit smoking. Research shows that the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is almost twice that for current smokers compared with nonsmokers.

Because rheumatoid arthritis may cause eye complications, patients must take regular checkups of your eyes.

Ketones in urine: Definition, examination for Children or adults, Infants, Preparation and reviews, Normal Values, abnormal results, risks

Ketones in urine


Alternative Names
Ketones in urine, urinary ketones, and acid acetoacetic acid betahidroxibutiric

Definition

Is a test that measures the presence or absence of ketones in the urine.

Manner in which the examination is performed

Children or adults:

To take the urine sample, the person takes a clean ( "in the middle of urination). For this, men and children should clean the head of the penis, while women and girls should wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. When the process of eliminating urine, which should make a small amount of it falls to the toilet (and cleans the urethra of contaminants). Later, in a clean container is recommended that approximately one to two ounces (30 to 60 ml) of urine and remove it. Finally, we must give this container the doctor or his assistant.

Infants:

It is necessary to thoroughly wash the area around the urethra opening and a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with adhesive tape on one end) and then place the bag baby. The children, they can enter the entire penis into the bag and the adhesive sticks to the skin. For girls, the bag being placed over the labia majora. You can put the diaper on the baby as usual, covering and securing the bag. It is recommended that the baby frequently and remove the bag after he has urinated into it. Active babies can move the bag, so that may be needed more than an attempt to obtain a sample. Finally, you should pour the urine into a container and then hand it to the doctor.

Urinary ketones are usually measured as a "rapid test" using a dipstick impregnated with chemicals that react with ketone bodies. The test strip is dipped into the urine sample and a color change is an indicator of the presence of ketones.

Preparation for the review

It may recommend a special diet and medications should stay that may affect the test (see Special Considerations).

If the sample was taken to a baby, it may require additional bags.

What you feel during the test

The review involves only normal urination, and produces no discomfort.

Reasons for which the examination is performed Back to top

Ketones (acid betahidroxibutírico, acetoacético acid and acetone) are the end products of metabolism, rapid or excessive fatty acids. As with glucose, ketones are present in the urine when blood levels exceed a certain threshold.

The release of fatty acids from adipose tissue (body fat) is stimulated by many hormones such as glucagon, epinephrine and growth hormone, whose levels are increased by starvation (whether in connection with alcohol or not ), uncontrolled diabetes and many other ailments.

Normal Values

A negative test is normal. The results from the presence of acetone in the urine usually appear as small, moderate or large with their corresponding values:

Small: <20> 80 mg / dL

Significance of abnormal results

A positive test may indicate:

* Metabolic abnormalities, including uncontrolled diabetes or glycogen storage disease.
* Abnormal nutritional conditions, including starvation, fasting, anorexia, diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
* Vomiting frequently over a long period of time, including hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of nausea during pregnancy).
* Disorders of increased metabolism, including hyperthyroidism, fever, or severe acute illness, burns, pregnancy, lactation (feeding a baby) or post-surgical condition.

What are the risks

No risk.

Special considerations

Some special diets can alter the results of this test. For example, a diet that is composed of low amounts of carbohydrates and high amounts of protein and fat can affect ketone levels.

Medicines that can cause false positive results include glucocorticoids.

Muscular dystrophy: Symptoms, tests, Treatment, Definition, Other Names, Complications, medical assistance and treatments

Muscular dystrophy


Other Names
Hereditary myopathy, DM

Definition

Is a group of disorders involving muscle weakness and loss of muscle that worsens over time.

Causes, incidence and risk factors Back to top

Many diseases called muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders, such as:

Becker muscular dystrophy *
* Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
* Muscular Dystrophy Emery-Dreifuss
* Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
* Muscular Dystrophy waist or pelvic escapulohumeral
* Congenital myotonia
* Myotonic dystrophy

Symptoms

The symptoms vary with different types of muscular dystrophy.

All muscles can be affected or only specific groups of muscles such as those around the pelvis, shoulders or face. Muscular dystrophy can affect adults, but severe forms tend to occur in early childhood.

Symptoms include:

* Intellectual retardation (only present in some types of the disorder)
* Muscle weakness that slowly gets worse
or delayed development of muscle motor skills
or difficult to use one or more muscle groups
or drooling
or droopy eyelid (ptosis)
or frequent falls
or problems walking (delayed walking)



Signs and tests

The examination and medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophies.

Signs may include:

* Curved spine (scoliosis)
* Contractures articular (clubfoot, hand grip or other)
* Low muscle tone (hypotonia)

Some types of muscular dystrophy compromise the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia).

Often there is a loss of muscle mass (atrophy) that may be hard to see because some types of muscular dystrophy cause a buildup of fat and connective tissue that makes the muscle look bigger, which is called seudohipertrofia.

A muscle biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis and, in some cases, the blood test used to analyze DNA may be all that is needed.
Other tests may include:

* Electrocardiography (ECG)
* Electromyography (EMG)
* Creatine kinase in serum

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

* Aldolase
* AST
* Creatinine
* LDH
* Myoglobin in urine / serum

Treatment

There is no known cure for the various muscular dystrophies and the treatment is to control symptoms.

Physiotherapy can help patients maintain muscle strength and functioning. Orthopedic devices such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and ability to self-care. In some cases, surgery of the spine or legs may help improve function.

Sometimes oral corticosteroids are prescribed for children in order to keep walking as long as possible.

The person must be as active as possible because the complete inactivity (such as bed rest) can make the disease worse.

Support Groups

The stress caused by a disease can be relieved by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See support groups for muscular dystrophy.

Expectations (prognosis) Back to Top

The severity of disability depends on the type of muscular dystrophy. All types of dystrophy slowly get worse, but how fast this happens is something that varies widely.

Some types of muscular dystrophy, including Duchenne, are fatal. Other cause little disability and the people who have suffered a period of normal life.

Complications

Cardiomyopathies *
* Decreased ability to care for himself
* Decreased mobility
* Joint Contractures
* Mental impairment (varies)
* Respiratory failure
* Scoliosis

Situations requiring medical assistance

Consult your doctor if:

* You have symptoms of muscular dystrophy.
* Has a personal or family history of muscular dystrophy and is planning to have kids.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended when there is a family history of muscular dystrophy. Women may be asymptomatic, but be carriers of the gene that causes the disorder. Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be detected with about 95% accuracy by genetic studies performed during pregnancy.

Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, incidence ,risk factors, Definition, Other Names, Signs and tests, Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

Index:

* Images
* Other Names
* Definition
* Causes, incidence and risk factors
Symptoms *
* Signs and tests
* Salutation
* Support Groups
* Expectations (prognosis)
* Complications
* Situations that require medical assistance
* Prevention
* References



Other Names
Degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic osteoarthritis, Osteoarthrosis; EAD; Osteoarthritis (arthritis)

Definition

It is the most common joint disorder.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Most of the time, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. It is a disease that is primarily related to aging, but metabolic factors, genetic, chemical and mechanical processes can also lead to its development.

Symptoms usually appear in people of middle age and almost everyone submits to the age of 70 years. Before the 55 years, the disease occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 years is more common in women.

The disease causes an erosion in the buffer (cartilage) between the joints of the bones. As the disease worsens, the cartilage disappears and the bones rub each other. Generally, there are bone spurs around the joint.

Osteoarthritis is classified as primary or secondary.

Primary osteoarthritis occurs without any injury or obvious cause, while secondary osteoarthritis is due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of this are:

* Inflammatory disorders such as arthritis
* Injury
* Metabolic disorders such as acromegaly
* Problems with anatomy (for example, be patizambo)



Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

* Joint pain that worsens deep after exercise or weight-bearing and relieved by rest
* Chirping of articulation with the movement
* Joint pain when the weather is rainy
* Joint inflammation
* Motion Limited
* Stiffness in the morning

Some people may not show symptoms.

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show:

* Crepitation of the joints with movement
* Joint inflammation
* Limited range of motion
* Sensitivity

An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of joint space and, in advanced cases, wear of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are:

* Increase the strength of the joints
* Maintain or improve joint mobility
* Reduce the disabling effects of disease
* Relieving pain

Treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS:

The most common drugs used to treat osteoarthritis are the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common pain relievers that reduce pain and inflammation. The types of these medications include: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen and naproxen.

Although NSAIDs work well, their prolonged use can cause stomach problems such as ulcers and bleeding. Manufacturers of NSAIDs include a warning label on the product to alert consumers about an increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other medications used to treat osteoarthritis include:

* COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs), which block a substance called COX-2 that causes inflammation. Initially it was believed that this class of drugs works so well as other NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of COX-2. Celecoxib (Celebrex) was still available at the time of this report, but labeled with strong warnings and the recommendation to be prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Patients should ask their doctor if the medicine is appropriate and safe for them.
* Steroids: these drugs are injected directly into the joint and can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
* Supplements: many people help the OTC medicines such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements are used to control pain, but do not seem to allow the development of new cartilage.
* The artificial synovial fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee and provide temporary relief of pain for up to 6 months.

CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE:

Exercise helps maintain mobility and Articulatory general. You should ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. The exercises in the water, like swimming, are especially useful.

Other recommendations on lifestyle include:

* Apply heat and cold
* Consume a balanced diet and healthy
* Rest
* Lose weight if overweight
* Protect your joints

PHYSIOTHERAPY:

Can be used to improve muscle strength and movement of stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis, but if therapy does not cause an improvement after 3 to 6 weeks, then you probably do not work forever.

Orthopedic devices:

Orthopedic splints and sometimes can provide support for weakened joints. Some prevent the movement of the joint, while others allow some movement. Orthopedic devices should be used only when the doctor or therapist recommends, as the incorrect use of a device they can cause damage, stiffness and joint pain.

SURGERY:

Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. The surgical options may include:

* Arthroscopic surgery to trim cartilage injury and broken links and to rinse
* Restoration of the cartilage to replace damaged or missing cartilage in some young patients with arthritis
* Changes in the alignment of a bone to relieve the stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
* Surgical Fusion of the bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
* Partial or total replacement of the damaged joint by an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)


Expectations (prognosis)

The movement may be very limited. The treatment usually improves joint function.

Complications

* Adverse reactions to drugs used to treat
* Decreased ability to perform activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, housekeeping or cooking
* Decreased ability to walk
Surgical complications *

Situations requiring medical assistance

Check with your doctor if symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Prevention

Weight loss can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.