TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Osteoarthritis A1 - Goodman, Catherine A1 - Helgeson, Kevin PY - 2011 T2 - Exercise Prescription for Medical Conditions: Handbook for Physical Therapists AB - Osteoarthritis refers to a group of conditions characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and other joint structures. The disease process usually begins with excessive or abnormal mechanical stresses to the articular surfaces, with a chronic inflammatory process leading to the characteristic changes of all the joint structures. Radiographic appearance of osteoarthritis is characterized by loss of joint space, subchondral bone sclerosis, and osteophyte formations. Radiographic signs for the extent of joint changes may not correlate strongly with the client's current symptoms. Weight-bearing joints of the lower extremities and the spine are affected most often. Clients with this condition experience significant joint pain and stiffness that limit mobility and result in diminished daily activities.1 As the condition progresses, the client experiences more fatigue and discomfort with daily activities and may choose to self-limit activities to reduce these symptoms. Exercise programs have been found to be highly effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis.2 SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1133952128 ER -