05/09/2022
The focus for this year’s is osteoarthritis, and in 2023 the focus will be on other rheumatological conditions. The campaign is focused around the following key messages:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint condition: 520 million people around the world have OA, and 60% of OA cases are for knee OA.
In a global study of 291 conditions, hip and knee OA was ranked as the 11th highest contributor to disability.
OA is a leading cause of disability. 9.6 million years were lived with disability from OA around the world in 2017.
The exact cause of OA is unclear. Risk factors that increase the risk of OA include: having overweight or obesity, having a previous joint injury or joint surgery or history of joint overuse, genetics.
Exercise is a first-line treatment for OA. A physiotherapist can provide advice and education about pain relief and ways to manage OA. They can teach people living with OA how to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles.
It is important for people living with OA to keep as active as possible. This can help improve pain, reduce other symptoms of OA, and help people stay independent.
Only about a third of people living with OA will get worse over time, and some see an improvement in pain and disability. A physiotherapist will be able to guide you on how to keep active.
