Osteoarthritis

'Compare and contrast biomedical and complementary treatment of a chosen disease'

Osteoarthritis

* Introduction

The city of Campbelltown is a rapidly expanding community in the greater south west of Sydney. Very much a multicultural town with a broad scope of rich, and poor it can be considered in many ways a disadvantaged community, in my many years of growing up there it is common to see drugs, alcohol and obesity writhe in the people. Unemployment, teenage pregnancy, smoking and a large indigenous community makes health problems real and a lack in medical facilities is present. This writing will introduce the reader to common health problems that exist in Campbelltown and will talk specifically about osteoarthritis and the health services for this disease. It will also contrast and compare biomedical treatment against alternative complementary therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

* Socio-demographic profile of Campbelltown

Since 1991 Campbelltown has continued to outgrow Sydney, N.S.W, and Australia percentage wise in population growth. The current population of Campbelltown is 234,157 people.

Campbelltown has a higher proportion of single parent families (13.5%) compared to Sydney as a whole (9.6%), and twice the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (2.3%, compared to 1.1%).

Full-time secondary school education participation of 16 year olds living in Campbelltown (69.3%) was notably lower than for Sydney (76.2%). A marginally lower proportion of Campbelltown's households received rent assistance from Centrelink (12.6%) compared to Sydney (13.7%), but there were more dwellings rented from the State housing authority (9.8%, compared to 5.1% for Sydney). The proportion of dwellings with no access to a motor vehicle (8.7%) was lower compared to that for Sydney (13.1%). The Division had lower proportions of the population who reported using, at home, a computer (41.3%) and the Internet (25.8%), compared to Sydney (43.7% and 31.0%).

These socioeconomic indicators show the Division to comprise a population of relatively low socioeconomic status.

* Current Major Health concern in Campbelltown

Compared with Sydney and Australia Campbelltown had a higher rate of mortality from major diseases such as (in order of most common cause of death)

1. Circulatory diseases

2. cancer of the trachea, Bronchus and Lung

3. chronic lower respiratory disease

4. Diabetes Milletus

Chronic health problems and diseases in Campbelltown include Diabetes type II, Asthma, and musculoskeletal system diseases such as Arthritis (osteo and Rheumatoid) and osteoporosis.

"At different life stages, risk factors for chronic diseases and their determinants include genetic predisposition; poor diet and lack of exercise; alcohol misuse and tobacco smoking; poor intrauterine conditions; stress, violence and traumatic experiences; and inadequate living environments that fail to promote healthy lifestyles (NPHP 2001). Risk factors are also more prevalent in areas of low socioeconomic status, and in communities characterised by low levels of educational attainment; high levels of unemployment; substantial levels of discrimination, interpersonal violence and exclusion; and poverty. There is a higher prevalence of risk factors among Indigenous communities, and other socioeconomically disadvantaged Australians (NPHP 2001)."

Campbelltown had high rates compared with the Australian population of obesity, smoking and lack of exercise. All of these are major causes of chronic conditions and diseases.

* Health Services in general

In Campbelltown there are 1402 people per General Practitioner. There are two hospitals, Campbelltown hospital and Camden hospital.

* Health services for major area of concern

If someone is suffering from osteoarthritis there is no shortage of qualified GP's to diagnose them and set them on a course of treatment.

* Biomedical disease concept

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease. It is classified as a degenerative disease of the joints and the resulting pain, reductions in mobility and functional independence cause a diminishing quality of life. Osteoarthritis is usually classified either as primary or secondary. In the former, no obvious predisposing factor can be identified; in the latter, the arthritis appears be the result of trauma, repetitive joint use, congenital or developmental defects, metabolic or endocrine disorders, or other factors.

* Signs and symptoms

Osteoarthritis is most common in the hands, hips, knees and spine. It usually comes on slowly and the first symptom may be joint irritation or pain after physical work.

Osteoarthritis in the hands seems to have a trait of being hereditary. It effects more women than men and usually starts after menopause. The fingers may become enlarged and gnarled, and they may ache or become stiff and numb.

Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause pain, stiffness, and severe disability. People may feel the pain in their hips, or in their groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or knees. Walking aids, such as canes or walkers, can reduce stress on the hip. Osteoarthritis in the hip may limit moving and bending. This can make daily activities such as dressing and foot care a challenge.

The knee is a very active and complicated joint. It is a main load bearing joint and for this reason is very susceptible to wear. The knee will become inflamed, stiff and painful making it hard to walk and do other normal day to day activities. If untreated it can lead to disability.

Stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back can result from osteoarthritis of the spine. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs also can result.

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