Osteoarthritis, COVID-19 Social Isolation-Impacts, and Counter Solutions

Ray Marks

doi:10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3682

Abstract

Background to the Issue Many older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus. Aims This report sought to examine what has been published in 2020 on this health condition from the perspective of the variable of widely imposed social isolation strategies designed to mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease, and to especially keep older community dwelling adults ‘safe’ from infection. Methods Reviewed were all articles published in 2020 in PUBMED from January 1-December 24, 2020 on osteoarthritis and COVID-19 isolation impacts, plus relevant past osteoarthritis and isolation literature among older adults. The focus was on ascertaining how social isolation and distancing strategies might impact current community-dwelling adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis and whether more should be done specifically to mitigate any potentially preventable ‘socially’ induced negative health impact among this group, in spite of the laudable goals of this public health strategy. Results Older adults with osteoarthritis living in the community who are asked to self-isolate, may incur more osteoarthritis pain and disability than would otherwise be encountered if actions taken to counter this possibility are not forthcoming. Advocated over and above basic care approaches are several psychosocial strategies including the role of mobilizing various forms of social support. Conclusion Data indicate a need for concerted thoughtful and immediate attention to offset isolation, fear, and anxiety and depression effects as part of a carefully devised integrated plan of management to reduce excess osteoarthritis disability, as well as excess COVID-19 risk among otherwise free living older adults already compromised by osteoarthritis.

Highlights

Background to the IssueMany older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus
A growing body of data is revealing that elderly adults, especially those suffering from obesity, frailty or one or more chronic health conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are highly susceptible to the novel Corona virus known as COVID-19, but are commonly hospitalized at high rates due to the acquisition of acute respiratory symptoms produced in response to becoming infected by this virus [1,2,3]
The ensuing pandemic and its accompanying publically recommended preventive approaches, for example, the widespread application of societal shutdowns, including the practice of advocating for self-isolation, social isolation, social distancing, and quarantine periods of varying length may yet arguably provoke, rather than diminish the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in the face of the presence of one or more prevailing comorbid health challenges known to be COVID-19 risk factors, as well as risk factors for acquiring severe disease. It seems those older adults already suffering from osteoarthritis, a widespread disabler of the neuromuscular system that prevails among elderly populations in all parts of the world would in all likelihood be more challenged, rather than less challenged at this pandemic point in time [4] for many reasons, and again, at higher risk for disability, as well as COVID-19 disease risk

Summary

Introduction

Background to the IssueMany older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus. The ensuing pandemic and its accompanying publically recommended preventive approaches, for example, the widespread application of societal shutdowns, including the practice of advocating for self-isolation, social isolation, social distancing, and quarantine periods of varying length may yet arguably provoke, rather than diminish the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in the face of the presence of one or more prevailing comorbid health challenges known to be COVID-19 risk factors, as well as risk factors for acquiring severe disease It seems those older adults already suffering from osteoarthritis, a widespread disabler of the neuromuscular system that prevails among elderly populations in all parts of the world would in all likelihood be more challenged, rather than less challenged at this pandemic point in time [4] for many reasons, and again, at higher risk for disability, as well as COVID-19 disease risk. Delays in accessing elective total replacement joint surgery, which are widespread, may heighten distress levels, and the inability to exercise, but functional disability and pain as well, especially among those osteoarthritis cases with multiple joint lesions, as well as one or more comorbid health conditions [12]

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