Knee Osteoarthritis

Many people find their aches and pains are aggravated as we head into the colder months, particularly those people with arthritis. So we thought it was a good time to shed some light on KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS.

Some current evidence and recommendations:

-       Pain is best managed by regular paracetamol use (Level A evidence) and short-term oral anti-inflammatories. (Level B evidence) Please make sure you discuss your specific situation with your Physiotherapist or GP.

-       Losing just 5% of your body weight can significantly reduce your knee pain. (Level B evidence)

-       Land-based or weight-bearing exercises are the best form of strengthening (Level B evidence) but hydrotherapy can be a good start. (Level C- evidence) Strengthening has been proven to support joints & is an important element in counteracting the symptoms of arthritis.

-       Glucosamine and Chondroitin may have some benefit especially if taken together but if they haven't provided any relief with in the first few months they may not be effective for you. (Level C evidence) Some supplements can interact with other medications so please make sure you discuss your specific situation with your Physiotherapist or GP. Level A: excellent evidence Level B: good evidence Level C: some evidence

Physiotherapists at Core Control will assess your knee function and can provide you with more specific information about how the above evidence, and more, applies to your situation. We can assist you with weight loss if needed, provided support with strengthening, gait re-education and taping/bracing for de-loading the painful joint as well as manual therapy to help alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Carla Richardson, Senior Physiotherapist.

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