Have you recently been diagnosed with knee Osteoarthritis by your GP?
Or been told that your knee joint is “bone-on-bone”?
This can all sound quite scary if you’ve not been given adequate education on your knee condition.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterised by the degeneration of the cartilage on the ends of bones in joints. Your knee cartilage helps the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) glide across one another so you can comfortably bend and straighten your knee. Cartilage also acts as a shock absorber, force transmitter and key stabiliser of the knee joint!
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, with an estimated 9.3% of Australians (2.2 million) have this condition, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Osteoarthritis represented over half (62%) of all arthritic conditions in 2017–18 (ABS 2019) and although osteoarthritis affects people of all ages, the prevalence increases from the age of 45 years.
How can a physiotherapist help?
The good news is, our physios have many different tricks up their sleeves to help ease your pain and increase your joint function.
Movement and physical activity is a great option for people suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Land-based exercises are ideal for most people and are strongly recommended by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Aquatic exercise, stationary cycling, and walking are also safe and effective activities that do not cause undue stress on the knee joint.
Exercise has also been found to be beneficial for other co-morbidities and overall health such as walking, resistance training, cycling, yoga and Tai Chi.
An individualised exercise program will be set by one of our physiotherapists, taking into account your goals and hobbies to support long term exercise compliance.
Book an appointment online at aushealthphysio.com.au or give us a call on (02) 9905 0048 to get your personalised exercise started today.
