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Patient counseling
Osteoarthritis Counseling
Core messages that improve outcomes in knee and hip OA.
Video lesson
Key points
Exercise and weight loss are first-line and as effective as many medicines. Each pound lost removes about four pounds of load from the knee with each step.
Practical approach
Prescribe structured strengthening, refer to physical therapy, recommend topical NSAIDs for knees and hands, use intra-articular steroids for flares, and discuss assistive devices. Avoid opioids.
Pearls
Imaging severity correlates poorly with pain. Framing exercise as treatment rather than risk improves adherence.
At a glance
Category
Patient counseling
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.