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Bone & Joint Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of moveable joints in the body. It is a chronic disease that affects the collagen (fibrous connective tissues). This individual may be easily fatigued and may experience weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, fever, anemia, joint stiffness, tenderness, pain and swelling in the joints and nodules. Typically, rheumatoid arthritis affects the shoulders, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and finger joints. A student with rheumatoid arthritis will find it advantageous to schedule their classes during the times of the day when their joint swelling and stiffness is at a minimum.
Wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment will assist this student and typically offer energy saving assistance. Often, the use of a locker for storing books is preferred over carrying a book bag. The use of a voice-activated computer and software offer this student the opportunity to use a computer without having to use a keyboard. The use of a volunteer notetaker or a tape recorder may be appropriate. Sometimes, the student may need additional time for lengthy exams to rest his/her hands or to move around.
Degenerative Joint Disease
This is a non-inflammatory disease, which destroys the cartilage lining the joints. DJD is often a painful condition, which leads to decreased mobility and range of motion. Typically, the joints affected are the hips, spine, and fingertips. A wheelchair or other adaptive equipment may ease the weight bearing aspect of the joints (hips and spine) and offer energy saving qualities as well. Use of blue curb parking, on campus transportation, lockers or carts may be necessary. Medication can cause drowsiness and lethargy.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Characterized by the erosion of tendons and joints, typically in the spine, this is an inflammatory disease. The progression of the disease is typically painful in the early stages. The next stage may in value ?? fusion of the vertebrae in the affected areas of the spine. Often, students find a padded chair and small table in the classroom are preferable to sitting at a small wooden desk. A table in the back of the classroom allows for standing and frequent movement. Additional time for lengthy exams may be appropriate to allow the student to move around.
Osteoporosis
This condition is characterized by the reduction of bone density as a result of a significant loss of calcium. Subsequently, the individual’s bones are susceptible to breaks and fractures. The individual, in addition to the increased fragility of the bones in the body, may also experience pain, especially in lower limbs. Use of on-campus transportation, blue curb parking and the ability to move around during exams and class time may be important to the academic success of the student. As noted in the previous section, exam accommodations may be appropriate.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by degenerative changes in the joints. Symptoms of pain after use, joint stiffness and swelling develop. Medications and pain may cause concentration and retention difficulties. Stiffness and pain in the hands may require the use of a notetaker; in the hips, knees, and feet may require blue curb parking and/or the use of the on-campus tram. Sitting for limited amounts of time may be necessary.