Osteoarthritis

Information, resources and tools to help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms and improve function.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined. OA is a progressive disease of the whole joint that leads to breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. (Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones).

OA is a result of the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. For most people this damage can occur when otherwise healthy joints are exposed to heavy workloads over a long period of time. However, for some individuals whose joints are formed differently or who have experienced a previous joint injury, even normal workloads can accelerate joint damage. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor.

There is currently no cure for OA. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve function. They include a combination of self-management strategies, medications, treatment by healthcare professionals specializing in orthopedic care and – for severe OA – possibly joint replacement surgery.

Click on the cards below to learn about osteoarthritis and how to manage it to live well.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, its causes and risk factors, as well as how OA is diagnosed. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, its causes and risk factors, as well as how OA is diagnosed.

Self-Management

Lifestyle measures you can take to manage osteoarthritis on your own, including therapeutic exercise, physical activity, weight management and eating well. Lifestyle measures you can take to manage osteoarthritis on your own, including therapeutic exercise, physical activity, weight management and eating well.

Treatment

Available treatment options for osteoarthritis including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, therapies, and surgery. Available treatment options for osteoarthritis including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, therapies, and surgery.

Resources for Clinicians

Resources, tools and guides for healthcare professions to help identify and case manage patients with osteoarthritis. Resources, tools and guides for healthcare professions to help identify and case manage patients with osteoarthritis.

Online Learning Guides

 

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Learning modules to help you cope and thrive when living with osteoarthritis.

Managing Pain

Staying Active

Eating Well

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Arthritis Talks Webinars

 

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Arthritis Talks webinars on the latest guidance direct from arthritis experts to help you get more out of life with osteoarthritis.

Complementary Therapies and Emerging Treatments

Rheumatologist Dr. Mary-Ann Fitzcharles discusses complementary therapies and emerging treatments for arthritis being studied around...

Rheumatologist Dr. Mary-Ann Fitzcharles discusses complementary therapies and emerging treatments for arthritis being studied around the world.

Strategies to Manage Your Pain

The webinar discusses about pain, arthritis and the complexities of pain; strategies and tips to manage your pain; things to think...

The webinar discusses about pain, arthritis and the complexities of pain; strategies and tips to manage your pain; things to think about if you are considering or using medical cannabis to manage your arthritis pain; and how to access and use cannabis safely.

Delayed Surgery and Arthritis Pain

The webinar discusses what to do if your surgery has been delayed, how to manage your arthritis pain and strategies to keep you...

The webinar discusses what to do if your surgery has been delayed, how to manage your arthritis pain and strategies to keep you moving in the age of COVID-19.

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This resource was made possible through unrestricted educational grants from: