Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/osteoarthritis/
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
Download pamphlet [PDF] 
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 Osteoarthritis? - pamphlet | Arthritis NZ | |
 | Osteoarthritis: What will happen? | Best Health - UK | |
| Osteoarthritis: What is it? | Best Health - UK | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
In this section you will find a helpful risk factor/symptom checklist to help you recognise the signs of arthritis.
| Osteoarthritis: What are the symptoms? | Best Health - UK | |
| Arthritis Self-Assessment | Arthritis NZ | |
| A helpful risk factor/symptom checklist | |||
| Osteoarthritis: How is it diagnosed? | Best Health - UK | |
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.
| The Pain Toolkit and Website | The Pain Toolkit | |
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| 10 Steps for Living Well with Arthritis: A Practical Guide | Arthritis Victoria | 20 Pages |
Treatments & Medication
In this section is information to help you learn about treatment options for arthritis and/or osteoarthritis.
| Physical activity - pamphlet | Arthritis NZ | |
| What treatments work including information on glucosamine and chondritin? | Best Health - UK | |
| Cochrane Reviews of Arthritis Treatments | Arthritis Victoria | |
| Joint Replacement Booklet | Arthritis Victoria | 20 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| Warning about side effects of NSAIDs | Best Health - UK | |
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.
| Support Groups & Arthritis Educators - Ph 0800 663 463 | Arthritis NZ | |
| Nationwide arthritis services | |||
| Juice - magazines | Arthritis NZ | |
| Contact Information/Service Centres | Arthritis NZ | |
Want to Learn More?
Want more information about arthritis and osteoarthritis? Here you will find information in other lanaguages and links to arthritis websites.
| Managing Arthritis | Arthritis Victoria | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Arthritis - You Can Do Something About It | NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
Date last reviewed