Resources

Non-operative Management of Osteoarthritis

 

Managing your osteoarthritis with non-operative strategies is extremely helpful in delaying surgery and providing relief from your symptoms and pain.

 

Taking control of your symptoms and pain can be very empowering. Through gentle exercise and stretching, weight regulation and appropriate medication use, you can develop strategies for daily life with osteoarthritis, delay or even defer the need for surgery altogether.

Multi-Disciplinary/Multi Modal Approaches

Sometimes it’s easier, more fun and better supported to achieve progress with non-operative treatment through a class-based team approach. Programs that do this include the OACCP, GLA:D, Healthy Weight for Life (osteoarthritis management) and OMP.

 

This practice will frequently recommend this approach. Remember you have to keep going, and that many factors that influence your improvement are under you control! At the very worst it is training and pre-habiltation for surgery, but in very many cases it delays and can prevent the need for surgery. Often, both your health fund and Medicare will cover some/all of the costs.

 

Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program, Northern Sydney Local Health District

 

  • The Osteoarthritis Chronic Care (OACCP) is a NSW Health initiative aimed at deferring the need for surgery and managing symptoms in preparation for joint replacement. It is based in many Sydney hospitals, such as Royal North Shore Hospital, Ryde and Hornsby, and is run by multidisciplinary teams of specialists, physiotherapists and dieticians.
  • You will need a referral from Dr Ellis or your specialist to access this service.

 

GLA:D Australia:

 

  • GLA:D®, Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
  • Several physiotherapy practices in Sydney and wider Australia are accredited for this program, with resources available at their website.

 

Osteoarthritis Management Program (OMP) – Hunters Hill & Mount Wilga Hospitals:

 

  • This is a rheumatologist developed, private hospital based program that involves a multi-disciplinary team and outpatient weekly sessions.
  • You will have an assessment from specialists including a rheumatologist, dietitian, OTs, and physiotherapists and attend class-based exercise programs.

 

Healthy Weight For Life (Osteoarthritis Management)

 

  • This is an individually tailored, web-based program for osteoarthritis management, covered by a majority of health funds.
  • The program is self-directed with online assistance from a multidisciplinary team.

Non-Operative Management Tools:

Below are listed a number of resources that can be useful or trialled in the non-surgical management of osteoarthritis.

Please remember that these resources are not substitutes for medical advice, but intended as additional aids to your care. If pain and disability persist or worsen, please consult with Dr Ellis or your general practitioner.

 

  • Weight Management – One of the most effective tools in managing arthritis is weight reduction and weight management. If needed, dietician advice and/or supervised programmes are available.
  • Exercise – Exercise is safe and recommended for everyone. Being physically active has benefits on pain, function, quality of life and mood regardless of disease severity or age. Suggestions for exercise include Aqua-aerobics pool classes or hydrotherapy and low impact exercises such as cycling and walking. Classes such as Pilates or Physio-led stretching programs are highly recommended to maintain range of motion, strength and flexibility.
  • Muscle Strengthening – Physiotherapy can be very helpful in managing osteoarthritis in its early stages. Discuss this with Dr Ellis or your GP. It’s important to maintain strength and fitness if surgery is on the horizon, as you will need to be well in terms of your general health to undergo anaesthesia. Strengthening your limb before your operation will also improve your outcome from joint replacement surgery.
  • Panadol / Panadol Osteo – Managing your pain through simple analgesics will help you get through flares of your symptoms. Please discuss pain relief options with your GP.
  • NSAIDS (anti-inflammatories) – If response to simple analgesics is inadequate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories can be useful for short periods of time. These are only prescribed by your GP or specialist and should be considered in conjuncture with your medical history.
  • Creams/Gels – Topical forms of anti-inflammatory medication are available from your chemist and may provide some symptomatic relief.
  • Footwear – Use supportive footwear and try cushioned insoles from a chemist. In some cases, having a consultation with a podiatrist for orthotics or shoewear modification is appropriate, after discussion with your doctor.
  • Walking Aids – A walking stick or walking frame sourced from a chemist or medical supply store can assist during flares of your symptoms or prevent fall risk if your limb feels vulnerable/like giving way.
  • Brace/Neoprene Sleeve or Bandage – These can be supplied by a chemist or physiotherapist, after the appropriate recommendation from your doctor.

Further Resources For Non-Surgical Management Of Osteoarthritis:

  • Joint Action Podcast: This podcast is hosted by Professor David Hunter, rheumatologist, from Sydney. He speaks with colleagues and patients about the management of osteoarthritis through non-surgical means, with up-to-date resources and advice. Highly recommended!

 

  • Arthritis Australia: Useful Australia-based advice on formsof arthritis with informative fact sheets, medication and supplement information, and pain management solutions.