| Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease | | | | functional independence. Let us take a look |
| is a wear and tear disease of the joints | | | | at some of the treatments that currently |
| typically seen in the older adult (usually | | | | exist for osteoarthritis.Many doctors |
| over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the | | | | recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the |
| joints breaks down causing pain as the bones | | | | initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice |
| rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is | | | | for the treatment of osteoarthritis. |
| commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, | | | | Acetaminophen has very few side effects. |
| spine, and feet.Obesity is a risk factor for | | | | When using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, |
| developing osteoarthritis in the knees and | | | | remember to follow the directions correctly. |
| hips. These weight bearing joints carry much | | | | Acetaminophen is commonly overused by |
| of the weight causing increased wear and | | | | patients. You are recommended to not exceed |
| tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce | | | | 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a twenty-four |
| the chance of developing osteoarthritis and | | | | hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or |
| can alleviate pain in people who currently | | | | processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen |
| have osteoarthritis.Currently osteoarthritis | | | | can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen |
| treatment is limited because no medications | | | | is also found in other pain medications such |
| are capable of preventing or retarding the | | | | as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In |
| disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment | | | | fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few |
| involves focusing on pain relief, the | | | | prescription pain medications. |
| maintenance of quality of life, and | | | | |