Joint replacement is very cost-effective and provides long-term improvements in pain, mobility and quality of life for most patients.23 In Australia, more than 105,000 primary and revision hip and knee replacements were performed in 2018, and approximately 35% of these operations were performed in the public sector.45 The projected burden of primary total hip and knee replacement in Australia is expected to increase by 208% and 276%, respectively, by the year 2030.6 Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a nationwide, temporary suspension of non-urgent elective surgery was implemented. [...]there is evidence that regular low-impact cardiovascular exercise and regular peri-articular strengthening and range-of-motion exercises are beneficial for reducing the symptoms of OA.n>12 GLA: Topical NSAIDs and capsaicin may be beneficial.18'19 Regarding complementary medicines, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are no more effective than placebo.20'21 Fish oils and turmeric have mild anti-inflammatory effects, but there is insufficient evidence to support their use.9 Injections Intra-articular injections of cortisone may provide temporary symptomatic relief for patients with OA.9 These are commonly used in the knee and may be administered with or without imaging guidance. Online patient education resources for osteoarthritis management Understanding osteoarthritis * Osteoarthritis Australia - My Joint Pain, www.myjointpain.org.au * Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) - Patients, www.oarsi.org/patients Chronic pain management * NSW Government Agency for Clinical Innovation - Brainman Pain Management Resources, www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/ie/projects/brainman * This Way Up - Chronic Pain - Reboot, https://thiswayup.org.au/how-we-can-help/courses/ chronic-pain Home-based joint exercises * GLA:
Symptom management for patients awaiting joint replacement surgery