Study on the correlation between knee osteoarthritis and anxiety in patients aged over 55

Abstract

Introduction. Osteoarthritis, which is a cause of chronic pain and disability with manifestation in any joint, with greater frequency in the joints of the lower limbs, upper limbs, but also at the spine level , affects around 250 million people in the entire world. This condition affects around 10% of the global population (18) and has an impressive impact on people, as it is one of the first 5 causes of disability. Material and method. The objectives of the treatment made by the patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were: pain reduction, increased joint amplitude, increased muscle strength, increased muscle tone, increased quality of life and reintegration into the family and social environment. In the study, there were discussed demographic data regarding the patients. In order to assess the pain parameter, the VAS scale was used, as well as WOMAC subscales. To assess the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis, the QOL scale (Quality of Life) was used. Anxiety was assessed with the help of a test that comprises the evaluation of symptoms at the cognitive, behavioral and physical level. Results and discussions. The pain was evaluated on the VAS scale, having a statistically significant evolution for the evaluation moments. Also with the help of the WOMAC index, two other parameters were evaluated, namely joint rigidity and functional capacity, the results being statistically significant in the 3 evaluation moments. The patients’ anxiety was evaluated with the help of the anxiety test; the results obtained were statistically significant at the 3 evaluation moments. Conclusions. It is vital that the recovery treatment in osteoarthritis be individualized and adapted to the age group. In our group, it enabled the reduction of pain and anxiety, the increase of the functional capacity and the quality of the patients’ lives.Taking into account the fact that the most affected group in the study group was the active professional one, we can evaluate the size of the recovery and the social, family and professional integration for these patients.