Our researchers at the Kolling Institute are encouraging those with osteoarthritis to rely on treatments with a proven track record and avoid quick fixes without the data to show they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The comments follow a steady rise in osteoarthritis cases nationally, with around three million Australians now living with the condition, and many forced to retire early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rise in cases has coincided with strong interest in injectable medications, particularly for knee osteoarthritis, such as hyaluronic acid, stem cells and platelet-rich plasma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Royal North Shore Hospital rheumatologist and world leading osteoarthritis researcher Professor David Hunter said we don\u2019t have the data to show these injections work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The hyaluronic acid injections are no better than a saltwater injection, but they will cost you a lot more, while we just don’t have good enough evidence for the stem cell injections or the platelet-rich plasma,\u201d said the University of Sydney researcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Hunter is disappointed that the latest evidence on treatments is not filtering through to consumers and new resources are not reaching those with osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He would like to see a stronger focus on the core treatments which work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cIndividuals with osteoarthritis need to be encouraged to manage their condition using behaviour and lifestyle interventions in the knowledge that the development of disease-modifying drugs might still be some way away,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome of the evidence-based treatments include doing exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe recommend working with a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist trainer to learn how to strengthen those muscles.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Professor Hunter said staying active and losing weight, if you are carrying extra kilos, are also important steps that can make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cWe know that losing five per cent of body weight can improve joint pain and function by 30 per cent. This can have a significant impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Research indicates cortisone injections can be used for short-term relief but not a long-term solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“One injection may be fine but repeat steroid injections appear to increase the risk of progressing the disease,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
More information on treatments and the latest advice can be found on websites including Arthritis Australia, My Joint Pain and Joint Action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Hunter\u2019s views were published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more details, check out the 9NEWS story below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n