What's Happening?
Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease globally, affects millions, with numbers expected to rise due to longer life expectancies and sedentary lifestyles. Experts highlight a significant gap between
current treatment practices and evidence-based recommendations. Despite exercise being a proven method to alleviate joint pain and improve joint health, many patients are not referred to exercise or physiotherapy. Instead, a large percentage receive treatments not recommended by guidelines, and some are directed to surgery without trying non-surgical options. Exercise benefits include strengthening cartilage and muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving joint function, yet it remains underutilized in treatment plans.
Why It's Important?
The underutilization of exercise in treating osteoarthritis has significant implications for healthcare systems and patient outcomes. Exercise offers a non-invasive, cost-effective treatment with fewer side effects compared to surgery. It addresses multiple aspects of joint health, including muscle strength and inflammation, which are crucial for managing osteoarthritis. The reliance on surgery and non-recommended treatments not only increases healthcare costs but also exposes patients to unnecessary risks. Promoting exercise as a primary treatment could improve quality of life for patients and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
What's Next?
To align treatment practices with evidence-based recommendations, healthcare providers may need to increase referrals to exercise and physiotherapy programs. This shift could involve training for primary care providers to emphasize the benefits of exercise and developing accessible exercise programs for patients. Additionally, public health campaigns could raise awareness about the effectiveness of exercise in managing osteoarthritis, encouraging patients to seek non-surgical treatments first. Monitoring and evaluating the impact of these changes on patient outcomes and healthcare costs will be crucial.
