A client with obesity reports pain in the joints. which musculoskeletal condition related to obesity does the nurse suspect the client has

Musculoskeletal disease (MSD) puts significant stress and strain on the load bearing joints. The patient complains of pain in the joints. Though signs and symptoms are not completely stated, the nurse can think Osteoarthritis (OA) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to be the culprit considering the patient to be overweight (obese). Both MSD are caused by obesity and experience pain and stiffness in specific joints which eventually hinders free movement of the body. Joint swelling happens only in OA after extended activity but no inflammatory reactions can be seen such as redness. It is simply a wear and tear problem of the joints as one becomes older or just over usage of that particular joint. RA, on the other hand, is an auto-immune. It's not a simple wear and tear problem but by the body attacking itself. To better come up with a good prognosis, the nurse can have a further history taking of the patient/client. He/she has to ask the patient/client's age, profession, lifestyle, family history and regular physical activities.