Skeletal System Diseases & Abnormal Conditions

Arthritis Inflammation of the joints 2 Types – Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid

Arthritis (cont.) Cause = aging process (OA), autoimmune disease (RA) S&S = joint pain, stiffness, limited ROM Tx = No cure – anti inflammatory meds, exercises, steroids, heat/cold

Bursitis Inflammation of the bursae sac (surrounds joints)

Bursitis (cont) Cause = Trauma to fluid filled sac / overuse of joint (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow)

Bursitis (cont) S&S = Severe pain, limited ROM, Fluid accumulation Tx = Pain meds, steroids, rest, aspirating the joint (removing fluid)

Osteomyelitis Inflammation of the bone (usually caused by bacterial infection)

Osteomyelitis S&S – pain / swelling at the site, chills, & fever Tx - Antibiotics

Osteoporosis Softening of the bones Caused by decrease of estrogen (in women), lack of calcium Bones become porous and brittle

Osteoporosis S&S – Spontaneous fracture

Ruptured Disk Also called herniated disk / slipped disk Most common site – lumbar area

Ruptured Disk S&S – pain, muscle spasm, numbness, impaired movement Tx – Rest, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment Severe cases require surgery

Abnormal Curvature of the Spine Causes – birth defect, malnutrition, degeneration on the vertebrae Tx – Physical exercise, braces, surgery

Types of Curvature Kyphosis – bowing of the back

Scoliosis – side to side curvature

Lordosis – abnormal inward curvature