Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic joint disease that affects the entire joint and is very common, particularly among middle-aged and older people. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age. The condition impacts the joint lining, joint fluid, joint capsule, cartilage within the joint, and the bone tissue beneath the cartilage. The ligaments and surrounding muscles are also affected. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of functional impairment among elderly individuals. It can develop in any cartilage-covered joint, but it most frequently affects the knee, hip, and hand. The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, although several risk factors have been identified: overweight and obesity, heredity, previous joint injuries, physically demanding work, age, and muscle weakness.
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The diagnosis: Osteoarthritis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made clinically by a doctor or physiotherapist, and may be supplemented by an X-ray, where the standard standing X-ray is the recommended modality. However, it may take a long time before changes become visible on the X-ray. It is important to begin treatment and exercise early in the course of the disease. Through medical history and clinical examination, a physiotherapist or doctor can verify the diagnosis earlier than through an X-ray examination, allowing first-line treatment to start as early as possible.
According to national and international guidelines, all individuals with symptoms and findings of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis should be offered first-line treatment consisting of information, exercise, and lifestyle change (if necessary).
Basic information about osteoarthritis
It is important that everyone with osteoarthritis receives basic information about the condition and about how they actively can influence their own situation. In AktivA®, the delivery of this information is organised through osteoarthritis education sessions (the osteoarthritis school). Information is essential to prevent anxiety and fear, increase motivation for physical activity and exercise, reduce pain, and improve health and quality of life.
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Treatment of Osteoarthritis: Physical Activity and Exercise
Exercise is the treatment that has the best effect for most people with both minor and more severe problems caused by osteoarthritis. Research has shown that exercise reduces pain, improves physical function, and makes everyday activities easier. Furthermore, a physically active lifestyle has many addiional positive effects. AktivA® therapists can help you get started with exercise and tailor exercises individually for you. Find your nearest AktivA® clinic here.
Treatment of osteoarthritis: Lifestyle change
In the general population, overweight is an increasingly common issue and a well-known risk factor for many diseases, including osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. When walking, the actual load on the joint is two to three times greater than body weight, meaning that even small changes in body weight may have significant consequences for the load. Overweight is also likely to lead to changes in signal molecules within the body, and associated with more rapid radiographic changes in the joints. Weight reduction is an important treatment goal that may lead to reduced pain and better physical function.
