Osteoarthritis
The word arthritis means inflammation of the joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. People suffering from this condition experience pain in their joints, commonly as a result of “wear and tear” on the bones. The knees, hips, spine and hands are common parts of the body to be affected. Because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, learning how to cope with it more easily is very important.
Key Points:
- Learn about osteoarthritis to help make sense of your symptoms and how you are feeling
- Form a good partnership with your doctor – the management of your arthritis is a team effort
- Stay physically active – this is an important part of arthritis management
- Learn about what you can do to protect your joints
- Get support and information from other people suffering from arthritis
Overview
In this section you will find some useful webpages and information sheets to help you understand what osteoarthritis is and how you can manage it.
 | What is Arthritis? | Arthritis NZ | |
 | Arthritis Information Sheet |  | 2 Pages |
| What is Osteoarthritis? | Arthritis NZ | |
| Osteoarthritis Information Sheet | | 2 Pages |
| Osteoarthritis: What will happen? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
| Osteoarthritis: What is it? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
In this section you will find a helpful risk factor/symptom checklist to help you recognise the signs of arthritis.
| Arthritis Self-Assessment | Arthritis NZ | |
| Osteoarthritis: What are the symptoms? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
| Osteoarthritis: How is it diagnosed? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
There are a number of things you can do to help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The webpages and fact sheets in this section will provide you with some useful tips.
| Dealing with Pain Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Working with Your Healthcare Team Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Tips for Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Joint Protections | Arthritis NZ | 2 Pages |
| Diet | Arthritis NZ | 2 Pages |
| Exercise | Arthritis NZ | 2 Pages |
| 10 Steps for Living Well with Arthritis: A Practical Guide | Arthritis Victoria | 20 Pages |
| Exercise | Arthritis NZ | |
| Physical Activity Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Saving Energy Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Diet | Arthritis NZ | |
| Healthy Eating & Arthritis Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Arthritis & Emotions Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Complimentary Medicines | Arthritis NZ | 12 Pages |
Treatments & Medication
In this section is information to help you learn about treatment options for arthritis and/or osteoarthritis.
| Medication for Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | |
| Medicines & Arthritis Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Physiotherapy for Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | |
| Cochrane Reviews of Arthritis Treatments | Arthritis Victoria | |
| Arthritis, Bones & Joints Reviews | Bandolier | |
| Complementary Therapies Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Alternative & Complementary Treatments | Arthritis NZ | |
| Surgery | Arthritis NZ | |
| Surgery Fact Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages |
| Joint Replacement Booklet | Arthritis Victoria | 20 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
Support
Support is a vital part of self-management. Here you will find information about NZ arthritis support services, a national arthritis newsletter, and tips for caring for someone with arthritis.
| Contact Information/Service Centres | Arthritis NZ | |
| The Juice Arthritis Newsletter | Arthritis NZ | |
| NZ arthritis magazine | |||
| Caring for a Person with Arthritis | Arthritis Research Campaign UK | |
Want to Learn More?
Want more information about arthritis and osteoarthritis? Here you will find information in other lanaguages and links to arthritis websites.
| What is Arthritis? | Arthritis Victoria | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Managing Arthritis | Arthritis Victoria | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Links - Arthritis Websites | Arthritis NZ | |
| Arthritis - You Can Do Something About It | NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service | |
| Multiple Languages | |||