Living well with knee osteoarthritis
More than 53,000 knee replacements are performed in Australia each year, yet many people can manage their knee osteoarthritis successfully without surgery. Clinicians at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District are supporting patients to better manage osteoarthritis symptoms through care focused on movement, education and lifestyle changes.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and affects around one in five people over the age of 45. The pain, stiffness and swelling caused by osteoarthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and staying active more challenging.
Ryan Fitz-Henry, Musculoskeletal Outpatients Team Leader, says while knee osteoarthritis of the knee is more common as people get older, there are effective ways to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
“Osteoarthritis can have a real impact on people’s daily lives, but the good news is there are simple strategies that can make a meaningful difference,” says Ryan.
"The most effective first step is to consider what lifestyle changes you can make to improve the condition.”
People are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis as they age, particularly women, those who have had previous knee injuries, or people carrying extra weight.
In most cases, a diagnosis can be made without the need for scans.
"A common misconception is that we need x-rays or other scans to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. In practise, we can diagnose the condition considering your age, medical history and physical symptoms,” says Ryan.
“It is also believed that you cannot improve with osteoarthritis and that surgery is inevitable. However, the evidence shows that, in about 9 out of 10 cases, appropriate education and modifying your day-to-day routine alone can improve symptoms and help you get back to doing what you love."
A combination of exercise, weight management and education is recommended as the first line of care.
Safe activities include walking, cycling, water-based exercise and strengthening exercises designed to support the knee joint.
"Exercise can be very effective, so it is worth considering a referral to see a physiotherapist, or to trial hydrotherapy," says Ryan.
"A referral to speak to a dietitian should also be considered, as weight management can be very effective at reducing your symptoms."
For people who are above a healthy weight, even small changes can help reduce pressure on the knee and improve mobility.
Free programs such as the Get Healthy Service can also help people make sustainable changes to their physical activity and nutrition.
“Starting early with the right approach can make a big difference to long-term outcomes,” says Ryan.
If you are over the age of 45 and experiencing stiffness first thing in the morning and knee pain on physical activity it is worth a visit to your doctor to talk about your symptoms and ask about what support is available.