Osteoarthritis Management Online

About osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It involves gradual wear of joint cartilage and changes in the underlying bone, typically causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. Knees, hips, hands, and the spine are commonly affected.

Management is multi-faceted, with weight management, physical activity, physiotherapy, pain management, and, where appropriate, specialist input for surgical options. Early intervention supports better long-term outcomes.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can take a history, order imaging, and discuss pain management options. Where helpful, your GP can refer you to physiotherapy or exercise physiology, and create a Chronic Disease Management Plan to access Medicare-rebated allied health sessions. If surgical consideration is appropriate, your GP can issue a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. For hands-on rehabilitation, a physiotherapist referral may be issued. Imaging requests can be sent via online imaging referrals where clinically indicated.

Treatment options for osteoarthritis

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, maintaining function, and slowing further decline. Options typically begin with non-medication measures such as tailored exercise programs, physiotherapy, and weight management if relevant. Regular low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, cycling, or water-based programs may help strengthen muscles around affected joints and improve mobility.

For pain control, your GP may discuss simple painkillers, topical anti-inflammatories, or short courses of oral anti-inflammatory medication where clinically appropriate. Choices will take into account other conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, or reflux. Some people also benefit from assistive devices like walking sticks, braces, or shoe insoles.

If conservative management is insufficient, intra-articular injections or surgical consideration (including joint replacement) may be discussed with a specialist. Your GP will advise if specialist referral is appropriate for your situation.

Self-care and lifestyle

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do for osteoarthritis. While joint pain can make movement feel counterintuitive, regular low-impact activity may help reduce stiffness and support joint function over time. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can tailor a program to your capacity and goals.

If higher body weight is contributing to load on weight-bearing joints, gradual weight management under the guidance of a GP, dietitian, or exercise physiologist may reduce symptoms and delay progression. Sleep quality, stress, and mood can all influence pain perception, and addressing these can be part of a broader plan.

Heat packs, cold packs, and pacing your activities across the day may help you manage flares. If a particular activity consistently triggers pain, your GP or physiotherapist can help identify modifications.

When to see a specialist

Specialist review may be considered if pain is poorly controlled despite a reasonable trial of conservative treatment, if there is significant loss of function affecting daily life, if imaging suggests advanced joint damage, or if joint replacement is being considered. Rheumatology input may be appropriate where the diagnosis is unclear or where inflammatory arthritis is suspected. Your NewDoc GP can coordinate referrals and share relevant history and imaging with the specialist.