Information for Medical Professionals
Large joint OA can point to the condition in other joints
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee could be an indicator that the condition could be affecting other joints.
According to new research published in the Journal of Rheumatology, patients with moderate of severe osteoarthritis of one hip have an increased likelihood that the condition could affect the contra-lateral hip.
"Knowing the increased risk of [osteoarthritis] in the other joint, they could be counselled to avoid high-risk activities and offered interventions," the researchers behind the paper claimed.
They added that adopting a weight loss or exercise programme could "avoid or delay the onset of symptomatic [osteoarthritis]" in the contra-lateral joint.
"The strength of the association between [radiographic osteoarthritis] in the outcome and contra-lateral joints far exceeds the strength of any other known risk factor," they concluded.
Obesity is believed to be one of the biggest risk factors associated with osteoarthritis progression as it puts extra strain on a person's joints.
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