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Managing Osteoarthritis in Primary Care

ISBN: 978-0-470-69893-8

April 2008

Wiley-Blackwell

152 pages

Description
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability, affecting five million people in Britain. By far the majority of cases are managed in the community.


A considerable proportion of patients self-medicate, while others are treated by a GP and the primary health care team.


This book provides an overview of the condition, its causes and natural history. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is also explained including descriptions of joint examination, monitoring of progression and assessment of disability. The book advocates a practical approach to osteoarthritis care, the mainstay of which is patient education and symptom management. It provides advice on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management, the use of exercise, physiotherapy and weight loss where necessary. Topics discsussed also include: informing the patient of the disease and its prognosis; ways in which patients can adapt their home and their lifestyle to work within their physical capabilities; and surgery options.

About the Author

Gillian Hosie and John Dickson are the authors of Managing Osteoarthritis in Primary Care, published by Wiley.

Features
* a book by GPs for GPs, it takes a realistic view of what can be done within the limitations of primary care
* the authors advocate a patient-centred approach to management, the cornerstone of which is patient education, behaviour change and lifestyle adaptations
* the book sets out a practical approach pain management
* provides an overview of the condition, its causes and natural history