Why exercise and weight management are key to osteoarthritis relief
Siddhartha Jana
Non-surgical treatments, including education, exercise, weight management, and pain medications, are effective for managing osteoarthritis, regardless of age or symptom severity.
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Education helps dispel myths about osteoarthritis, including its diagnosis, prognosis, and self-management strategies, improving patients' understanding and beliefs about the condition.
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Exercise is safe and beneficial for osteoarthritis, reducing pain and disability while potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery. It has fewer side effects compared to pain medications.
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Various types of exercise, such as strength training, aerobic activities, Yoga, and Tai Chi, are effective for managing knee osteoarthritis, allowing individuals to choose what suits them best.
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Increasing general physical activity, like walking more and reducing sedentary behaviour, is important for managing osteoarthritis.
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Weight management is crucial, as losing even 5–10% of body weight can reduce knee pain and disability, especially when combined with exercise.
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Pain medications, like paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should complement non-surgical treatments, but opioids are not recommended due to their risks.
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Knee arthroscopy is not recommended for osteoarthritis management, as research shows it is ineffective. Joint replacement surgery is considered only for severe symptoms after non-surgical treatments have been tried.
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