Critical Reviews™ in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

ISSN for PRINT: 0896-2960

For Online Access

2001, Volume13

Issue 2-3

174 pages

Issue price - $326.00

Ray Marks, Ed.D.
Osteoarthritis Research Centre, Box 1154, Adelaide Postal Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2K5 and Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, NY 10027

John P. Allegrante, Ph.D.
Department of Health and Behavior Studies and National Center for Health Education, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, NY 10027

This article reviews some nonoperative and nonpharmacologic management strategies for alleviating the symptoms of the common joint disease, osteoarthritis. This chronic condition results in considerable disability, particularly in later life, and can have a profound effect on earning potential and the quality of life. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis, and the condition is usually progressive despite available operative and pharmacological interventions. Thus, other intervention forms, especially those that might prevent further disability and that can be carried out cost-effectively, practically, and with no side effects, are immensely important in the management of the disease. This target article attempts to synthesize an integrated plan of management for people with osteoarthritis by incorporating nonpharmacological and nonoperative treatment strategies that appear most beneficial in alleviating the pain and disability of hip and knee osteoarthritis. This article focuses on interventions that view osteoarthritis as an emergent mechanically driven joint disorder and, to minimize their disability and improve their quality of life, emphasizes the importance of including individuals with osteoarthritis as participants in their personal management programs.

Download article, 28 pages

Article price - $35.00

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