Overview
Ask About
- Diagnosis - when OA was diagnosed, what joints are involved
- Risk factors - occupation, sport, trauma, obesity
- Functional limitation
- Management - non-pharmacologic / pharmacologic
Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Past trauma
- Joint overuse (occupational / sport-related)
Management
Management Options
Non-Pharmacologic
- Weight loss
- Exercise - gym programs, tai chi, hydrotherapy
- Physiotherapy
- Walking aids
- Joint protection - taping, splinting, orthotics
Pharmacologic
- Simple analgesia - paracetamol, NSAIDs
- Opioids (to be avoided)
- Intra-articular corticosteroids
Surgical
- Osteotomy (change in alignment)
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement)
- Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
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