Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and it can be effectively managed. 
  • Your active participation in care is essential to achieving improved outcomes.
  • Younger people may also develop osteoarthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease often associated with joint pain and stiffness, reduced mobility and reduced quality of life. 
  • Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body.
  • Osteoarthritis should be diagnosed by a health professional. 
  • In many cases, imaging (such as x-ray) is not required to make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not necessary for the management or diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
  • A better understanding of the disease and how you can actively manage it can improve your outcomes and quality of life.
  • Core components of care include weight and nutritional management, exercise and education. 
  • Arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis is not recommended. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 21-08-2019