What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint condition that can lead to pain, stiffness and difficulty completing daily activities. OA may include a combination of damage to the joint cartilage or bone, in addition to inflammation around a joint.
Whilst an OA diagnosis can seem daunting, the positive news is that there are many strategies for those with OA to manage the condition effectively and keep participating in activities that they enjoy.
Diagnosis and Risk factors
OA can be diagnosed clinically based of a thorough examination of risk factors and presenting symptoms. Imaging (i.e. MRI) can be used to exclude other causes of joint pain, however isn’t essential for the diagnosis of OA. This is because what is seen on imaging, often does not correlate with the pain and symptoms an individual experiences.
Non-modifiable risk factors associated with OA;
- Older age
- Family history
- Gender (females are at 1.5-2x greater risk)
- Previous joint injury
Modifiable risk factors associated with OA;
- Physical inactivity / sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight / obesity
- Excessive loading of joint due to high occupational or sporting demands
Management Tips
For those with OA, there are first line management options which should be addressed initially. These include;
- Weight loss if indicated: this can reduce systemic inflammation as well as decrease the mechanical stress on the joint
- Exercise: can assist with a multitude of factors such as joint function, strength, range of motion, pain and confidence loading the joint
- Education: there are often common misunderstandings around OA, some quite unhelpful for managing the condition effectively. It is important to understand how to effectively manage your OA, to keep participating in the activities that you enjoy!
Exercise Recommendations
Exercise can create positive adaptions to our cartilage, as it has been shown to respond well to movement and being appropriately loaded. This includes both aerobic exercise (i.e. walking, running, cycling) and resistance training.
It is important to note that some pain during exercise is acceptable and not associated with increased joint damage. Therefore, it is recommended that exercising within a pain score of 0-5 / 10 is safe and effective.
It is recommended to consistently aim for a minimum of x2 weekly exercise sessions, however x3-4 weekly is associated with better outcomes.
The intensity, duration and type of the exercise is largely individual specific, based off each individual’s current physical function, personal goals, pain levels, etc.
