Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive condition that affects the movable joints of the body, most commonly the knee, hip and finger joints. It occurs due to degeneration of the smooth cartilage around our bones that normally allows for free and easy movement. This can lead to symptoms including joint pain, stiffness and swelling which may limit one’s ability to engage in physical, social, community and occupational activities.
It is a common misconception that surgery is the only way to treat osteoarthritis. This accounts for the 38% increase in total knee replacements from 2005-06 to 2017-18 in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). In fact, the strongest recommendations for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis are to use interventions such as exercise, education and weight loss. Further details about these recommendations can be found in the guidelines for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis, published by The Royal Australian College of Practitioners.
At My Rehab Team, we have physiotherapists, dietitians and exercise physiologists who can help tackle your concerns with osteoarthritis. Contact us on 1300 469 734 or info@myrehabteam.com.au for more information.
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). What is osteoarthritis? Retrieved https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-
musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis/contents/what-is-osteoarthritis - Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2018). Guidelines for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Retrieved
https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Guidelines/Musculoskeletal/guideline-for-the-management-of-knee-and-hip-oa-2nd-
edition.pdf