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Evidence-based treatments for knee and hip osteoarthritis

In this article, Dr Nelligan describes what clinical practice guidelines are and what treatments are recommended for knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Research tells us that many people with osteoarthritis aren’t receiving appropriate management for their joint pain. So, what are the appropriate and recommended treatments for osteoarthritis?

Clinical practice guidelines are developed by researchers and medical organisations across the world. They guide health professionals on the best ways to manage osteoarthritis. There are clinical practice guidelines that are country specific. These are recommended for people who live in that country. There are also clinical practice guidelines that are global. These are recommended for all people with osteoarthritis.

Some osteoarthritis clinical practice guidelines that are developed by reputable organisations across the world include:

OA clinical guidelines across the world; National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE); American College of Rheumatology (ACR); European League against Rheumatism (EULAR); Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP); Chinese Rheumatology Association; Malaysian Society of Rheumatology; Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)

ALL international guidelines agree on the recommended treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Recommended management; Recommended for all people with osteoarthritis, education to better understand osteoarthritis, physical activity, exercise & maintaining a healthy weight; Recommended for some people with osteoarthritis, pain relieving medication; Recommended for only a few people with osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery

In this course we’ll cover the recommended treatments for people with osteoarthritis.

In week 2, we’ll address exercise and physical activity.

In week 3, we’ll discuss healthy weight management.

In week 4, we’ll discuss other self-management techniques. We’ll also describe the risks and benefits of medication and joint surgery. To wrap up the course, you’ll be encouraged to create a plan for what you’ll do next

Ultimately, we hope this course will help you identify what treatments will be most likely to help you manage your joint symptoms.

This article is from the free online

Taking Control of Your Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

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