Living with osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a disorder of hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone affecting mostly the large weight bearing joints ( hip and knee ), cervical and lumbar spine. A good therapeutic relationship with the client is the foundation for an effective treatment programme. This enables the client to feel confident with the therapist and the treatment used. In osteoarthritis a person's functional abilities and over all well-being are affected. This lead to the need for a thorough physical and functional assessment encompassed by psychological and psychosocial considerations. Evaluation of assessments and identification of abilities and disabilities followed. A valuable role possible in occupational therapy is being there to listen. Client was encouraged to discuss day to day problems thus enabling the therapist to see how she can help or perhaps prescribe aids to enhance client's quality of life. Problems were treated through application of purposeful activities aimed at reaching the short term and long term goals. Minimising the effects of the problem and maintaining or improving function.