Information for Medical Professionals

Early knee osteoarthritis sufferers should self-manage

Middle-aged patients suffering from the early onset of osteoarthritis should be encouraged to carry out self management, it has been claimed.

According to new research published in the January issue of Arthritis Care & Research, sticking to a strength training programme can significantly reduce joint pain directly attributed to the condition.

Lead author Patrick McKnight said: "Middle-aged, sedentary persons with mild early knee osteoarthritis benefited from strength training, self-management, and the combination program.

"These results suggest that both strength training and self-management are suitable treatments for the early onset of knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged adults. Self-management alone may offer the least burdensome treatment for early osteoarthritis."

The researchers looked at 273 inactive patients with early-onset osteoarthritis of the knee. They found that strength training, self management and combined programmes all resulted in improved function and reduced pain scores.

Meanwhile, recent research conducted by Casey Kerrigan published in the Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation, found that jogging in running shoes puts excess pressure on the knee joints of runners.

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