Joint pain, knee stiffness, and hip aches are common complaints among older adults, often accepted as a natural part of aging.
However, medical research shows that this is not an inevitable fate. Osteoarthritis — the most common joint disease worldwide — can be prevented and effectively treated through non-drug approaches.
اضافة اعلان
Experts emphasize that the best treatment for osteoarthritis is not found in medication bottles or operating rooms, but in regular movement and exercise. Yet studies indicate that only a small proportion of patients receive proper guidance to use this highly effective treatment.
Research conducted in healthcare systems across Ireland, the UK, Norway, and the USA reveals a concerning pattern: less than half of osteoarthritis patients are referred to physical therapy or exercise by primary care physicians. Meanwhile, over 60% receive treatments inconsistent with clinical guidelines, and around 40% are referred to surgery before trying non-surgical options.
Osteoarthritis is not merely a mechanical wear-and-tear process. It affects all joint components: synovial fluid, cartilage, bone, ligaments, surrounding muscles, and even the nerves that support movement. Regular movement targets all these elements, helping maintain joint health efficiently.
Cartilage, the protective layer covering the ends of bones, lacks direct blood supply and relies on movement to stay healthy. It functions like a sponge: it compresses during activity, expelling fluids, then reabsorbs nutrients, preserving joint flexibility and health.
Thus, the traditional notion that osteoarthritis is simply “wear and tear” is inaccurate. It is a long-term process of degeneration and repair, where regular movement and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining joint health.
Physical activity benefits not only the joints but the entire body, with proven positive effects on more than 26 chronic conditions. In osteoarthritis, exercise strengthens cartilage and muscles, reduces inflammation, improves metabolism, and helps regulate hormonal changes that contribute to disease progression.
Currently, no medication can alter the course of osteoarthritis. While joint replacement surgery may be suitable for some patients, it is a major procedure and not appropriate for everyone. Experts therefore recommend exercise as the first line of treatment, continuing throughout the disease course, as it is the safest and most comprehensive approach for overall health benefits.
Report by Clodagh Toomey, Physiotherapist and Associate Professor, Faculty of Allied Health, University of Limerick.
