Osteoarthritis is a condition characterised by progressive deterioration of the joint functionality. Patients with osteoarthritis usually present with joint pain, stiffness, swelling, instability in walking or even joint deformity. The risk of developing this is higher for individuals who are overweight or obese, as concluded in a meta-analysis.(1) With regards to that, lifestyle modification in the form of increased physical activity and weight reduction can play a great role in delaying the onset of the condition.

First and foremost, patients with osteoarthritis are encouraged to exercise. However, the frequency, intensity, duration and rate of progression of that should be individualised. A gradual increase in intensity and duration of exercise is key. For a start, you may try some simple stretching exercises (as Figure 1) recommended by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.(2) Study shows aerobic training and walking can effectively reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. (3) Meanwhile, a Cochrane systematic review suggests that aquatic exercise could prove more effective than land-based exercises in relieving pain and improving the quality of life of people with osteoarthritis. (4)

Given that obesity is an important modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis, weight reduction should therefore be a priority for those suffering from it. It comes with clear benefits such as reduced pain and improved mobility. (5) The case for it is further strengthened by the result of a randomised controlled trial, which claims that a unit of weight loss could fetch a 4-fold reduction in knee load in overweight patients. (6)

Do consult your healthcare professional if you need advice on exercise routine and weight reduction.

References

1. Blagojevic M, Jink, C, Jeffery A, et al. Risk factors for onset of osteoarthritis of the knee in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2010 Jan;18(1):24-33.
2. Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guideline. Management of Osteoarthritis. 2^nd 2013.
3. Fransen M, McConnell S Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4 Art No: CD004376.
4. Bartels EM, Lund H, Hagen KB, et al Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4 Art No: CD005523.
5. Bliddal H, Leeds AR, Stigsgaard L, et al. Weight loss as treatment for knee osteoarthritis symptoms in obese patients: 1-year results from a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 Oct;70(10):1798-803.
6. Messier SP, Gutekunst DJ, Davis C, et al. Weight loss reduces knee-joint loads in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Jul;52(7):2026-32.