Osteoarthritis or (OA) as it can be commonly known as, is a chronic disease and the most common form of arthritis. Its characteristics are joint pain, stiffness and swelling and mainly affects the hands, knees, and hips. OA most frequently occurs in people over 55 years of age, although younger people can also be affected. Some risk factors for OA include previous joint injury, being overweight or obese and older age.
There is currently no cure of OA, however there are many treatments and approaches to managing the long-term symptoms of this disease. General practitioners (GP’s) play a key role in being the first point of contact in the health care system for people with OA, they can delegate and ensure the correct advice and management is being offered.
The guidelines for the management of knee and hip OA has a strong focus on guided self-management from a health care professional to offer advice and education to individuals with OA to best understand their condition and best improve the health of people with Knee and or Hip OA. These guidelines mainly consist of regular exercise for improving function and relieving pain. Land based exercises such as muscle strengthening, walking and tai chi.
To ensure you have the most up to date evidence and research about OA, get in contact with your local health professional and they will be able to guide you through the management process and commence a tailored regime to improve the health of people with knee and or hip OA.
Facts and Myths about Knee OA:
Facts • Scans are poorly related to pain and disability • 20% of people do not get any pain relief from knee joint replacement • Rest and avoidance makes pain worse • Exercise is safe and helps • Pain doesn’t equal damage | Myths • Degree of arthritis predicts your pain and disability levels • Only surgery will fix it • Exercise is dangerous • Pain = damage • Rest is helpful |