Osteoarthritis is a very common problem and simple x-rays can confirm the diagnosis. As it is a chronic disease, we must learn to live with the pain (see our Arthritis sheet, overview).

I strongly recommend the regular practice of exercise adapted to your condition and the achievement or maintenance of an ideal weight, especially effective in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee.

If medication is needed, give acetaminophen a rigorous trial before taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on a regular basis, which could cause you serious side effects. Using topical gels, especially in the knee area before exercise, can help.

Finally, for patients with significant functional impairment, hip or knee replacement surgery can significantly improve quality of life, even in very elderly patients.

Dr Jacques Allard MD FCMFC