26th January 2024

Non-pharmacological management

The first step in the management of OA is non-pharmacological approaches. All patients should be given access to appropriate information regarding their condition in a way that they can best understand. This can be offered through verbal advice, websites (e.g. Versus Arthritis, www.versusarthritis.org, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance ARMA, www.arma.uk.net) or NHS information leaflets. Weight loss should be recommended to those who are overweight, and advice should be given on local muscle-strengthening exercises and aerobic fitness training to protect the joints. Examples of helpful exercises are balance exercises, tai chi, yoga and water-based exercise. Additional advice on appropriate footwear, use of walking sticks, and alternative methods of pain management, for example, heat or cold packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be suggested. No evidence has been reported in the literature for alternative therapies, such as the use of glucosamine or acupuncture. Patients can also be offered support for their condition and its associated psychological impact.