Osteoarthritis: the facts

Osteoarthritis is a common and painful condition affecting over 2 million Australians. These numbers are predicted to rise substantially in coming years, potentially by as much as 58% by 2032, due to an aging population and rising obesity rates¹.

 It is a serious condition that can substantially impact quality of life. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knee and hip joints and it is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. In addition to painful joints, difficulty in moving and reduced ability to do day-to-day activities, it can also impair sleep and psychological health.

Hear from the expert

 “People with knee osteoarthritis commonly present with pain when walking, initiating movement after rest and particularly on uneven ground or up and down stairs” says Joseph Wallace-Ellis, a home care community physiotherapist. “Unfortunately, chronic pain can lead to people limiting their physical movement, which often results in frailty, lower limb muscle atrophy and dependency on walking aids. Maintaining optimal circulation and thigh muscle strength is very important for knee stability and reducing chronic osteoarthritic pain.”

 The cost of osteoarthritis on the Australian health system is estimated to be more than $3.75 billion². Knee osteoarthritis significantly contributes to disability and lost productivity, with joint replacements for advanced cases being a primary factor.

“Fortunately, most people with knee osteoarthritis can be treated without surgery. With the help of physiotherapy to form personalised home exercise programs in conjunction with EMS therapy, the need for joint replacement surgery can be significantly reduced,” continues Physiotherapist Mr Wallace-Ellis. 

Research has shown that electrical stimulation treatment can be as effective as exercise in knee osteoarthritis and treatment can be suggested especially for the patients who have difficulty in performing, or are unable to perform, an exercise program.

Drug-free pain relief from knee pain due to osteoarthritis

References

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