Managing Knee Osteoarthritis Without Surgery: New Guidelines

Most people with knee osteoarthritis can manage their pain and improve mobility without surgery, according to updated guidelines from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Non-surgical treatments such as education, exercise, weight management, and certain pain medicines are recommended. Surgery should be a last resort for severe cases.

Melbourne; New guidelines from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care indicate that most individuals with knee osteoarthritis can manage their condition without surgical intervention. The focus is on non-surgical treatments such as education, exercising, weight management, and the use of specific pain medicines.

Knee osteoarthritis, affecting over 2 million Australians, is a frequent cause of persistent pain and disability. Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by 'wear and tear,' and X-rays are not indispensable for diagnosis or treatment planning.

High-quality research highlights that knee arthroscopy is ineffective, while joint replacement surgery should be reserved for those with severe symptoms who have exhausted all non-surgical options. The guidelines promote evidence-based resources for better management and symptom relief.

(With inputs from agencies.)