Core and adjunctive interventions for osteoarthritis: efficacy and models for implementation.

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Health
• Rheumatology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading global cause of pain and disability, significantly impacting individual well-being and healthcare costs.
• Despite its prevalence, many individuals with OA do not receive recommended, evidence-based treatments.
• Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate the socioeconomic burden of OA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review core priority treatments for Osteoarthritis (OA).
• To discuss evidence-based adjunctive and combined therapies for personalized OA care.
• To present international models of care and resources for OA management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of core and adjunctive OA treatments.
• Discussion of exercise, physical activity, weight management, and self-management support.
• Inclusion of physical and psychological therapies, manual therapies, and electrotherapy.

Main Results:

• Core treatments include exercise, physical activity, weight loss, and self-management education.
• Adjunctive therapies such as CBT, heat therapy, walking aids, and TENS can tailor treatment plans.
• International examples illustrate diverse OA care models and available resources.

Conclusions:

• Optimal OA care necessitates consistent, coordinated, and tailored approaches.
• There is a need to improve the uptake of evidence-based OA treatments.
• Further research and discussion on the risks and costs of various OA interventions are required.