Osteoarthritis: separating myths from facts
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DID you know arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions?
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, fingers, knees and hips, and is the most common lifelong disease in people over 65 — more common than high blood pressure and diabetes.
Myth 1: Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear
False. Cartilage relies on regular movement to stay healthy making regular activity important for people with osteoarthritis. The cartilage is like a sponge and requires movement to help fluid move in and out. Without movement, the fluid is stagnant and the joint may become stiff and painful.
Myth 2: I should rest if I have osteoarthritis
False. Cartilage relies on regular movement to stay healthy, with joint fluid moving in and out like a sponge, making regular activity important for people with osteoarthritis.
Myth 3: I have osteoarthritis and surgery is the only treatment option
False. Osteoarthritis affects not only cartilage and bone, but also muscles, tendons and ligaments, with exercise, weight loss and education recommended as first-line treatments.
Australian GP guidelines strongly recommend land-based exercise for all people with knee and hip osteoarthritis to improve pain and function, regardless of age, structural disease severity, functional status or pain levels.
Second-line treatments such as braces, pain medication, massage and walking aids can be added to support first-line treatments and provide short-term relief.
Yorke Peninsula Physiotherapy recommends trialling and adhering to first and second-line treatments for at least three months before exploring third-line treatment options such as surgery.
At Yorke Peninsula Physiotherapy, physiotherapists Kimberley Langley and Isabelle Turner are trained in managing osteoarthritis and are qualified to deliver the GLA:D Program for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
The program involves an initial assessment, six weeks of twice-weekly exercise classes, and a three-month follow-up.
For more information about osteoarthritis or the GLA:D Program, contact Yorke Peninsula Physiotherapy by phone 0472 598 505, email admin@yorkepeninsulaphysiotherapy.com.au, or via www.yorkepeninsulaphysiotherapy.com.au.
