Osteoarthritis

Patients are asked to consult their physician if they have persistent pain in their joints on most days for more than 1 month.

If they are diagnosed with OA, a combination of exercise, physical therapy, healthy lifestyle, and medications as recommended by their physician is appropriate.

Patients should be referred to a rheumatologist and/or orthopedist if they have significant pain or limitation in their activities.

Explaining osteoarthritis to patients

A primary care physician who leads research for Arthritis UK describes how the language used to explain osteoarthritis to patients influences whether or not they seek help.