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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?

    Related Topics
    Osteoarthritis Rheumatology
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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    Accoding to the A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia, Osteoarthritis (OA) is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint. To date, we still don't know what the exact cause of OA is, however we find that it is mainly related to aging and joint trauma (whether dramatic or repetitive). 

    The short answer to “is there a cure?” is no. Unfortunately, OA will most likely worsen over time, however the symptoms can be controlled. Commonly, best practice guidlines initially recommend conservative care to relieve symptoms. Your GP may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) initially, however if pain persists your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aprin, ibuprofen. 

    There is some good research to suggest that lifestyle changes such as staying active and exercise, along with losing weight will provide long lasting benefits. It is recommended that this is undertaken in the early stages, as if left too long, the pain from OA may worsen, making it difficult to perform these taks.

    Further to these changes, it is well document that professions such as chiropractic and physiotherapy can assist in the function of the joints, improve balance and movement. Usually a course of 6-8 weeks is necessary as a clinical trial to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. Unfortunately, if there are no functional or symptomatic changes after this period, it is likely that it won't work for you. 

    The last resort for serious cases of OA is surgery. This may involve a joint replacement, or arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage.

    As chiropractors, we often see that good spinal health results in lower rates of degenerative changes in the spine. This involves good posture, good movement and good nutrition. 

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    Dr Anthony Murphy

    Osteopath

    I am an Osteopath who graduated in 2005 and have worked around Australia and overseas. I have worked in many multi-disciplinary clinics and treat a … View Profile

    In short, there is no known cure for Osteoarthritis (OA) as it is a degenerative condition that does progress over time.  It is a process where jont cartliage wears away to underlying bone, creating a “bone on bone” picture.  As the disease progresses, bone can then wear away also, often resulting in pain, swelling and loss of joint motion.

    However, all this does not mean that people who have OA necessarily need to be in pain or restricted from their daily activities or exercise.  

    OA is a condition that affects more than 3 million Australians, so is an important health issue we face as a country.  

    Some simple advice for sufferers is: 

    -Maintain a steady healthy weight
    -Do regular low-intensity exercise
    -Maintain a healthy balanced diet
    -Take specific supplements
    (for example fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin)

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    Sandra McFaul

    Physiotherapist

    Do you suffer from chronic lower back pain or neck pain? Based in SYDNEY, Sandra is 1 of ONLY 15 Physiotherapists in Australia with ADVANCED … View Profile

    Osteoarthritis is a normal part of ageing.  We all get old on the outside, (ie grey hair and wrinkles)… Osteoarthiritis is getting old on the inside. 

    The best thing to do is to keep your joints moving and keep your muscles strong to protect the joints. 

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