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Support topic

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK and the leading reason for hip and knee replacement surgery.

Key facts and figures
What it is

A whole-joint condition

Osteoarthritis is a clinical diagnosis based on activity-related joint pain with little or no morning stiffness in people aged 45+. Imaging is only needed where the diagnosis is uncertain.[2]NICE NG226

TreatmentExercise before pills

NICE NG226 (2022) made a notable change: therapeutic exercise and weight loss are the core treatments. Paracetamol and weak opioids are not routinely recommended. Topical NSAIDs are preferred for knee OA; oral NSAIDs are short-course only.[2]NICE

SurgeryJoint replacement

Hip and knee replacement, tracked by the National Joint Registry, is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine, with around 90% of implants still functioning at 15 years.[4]NJR

Trusted organisationsTrusted organisations and further support

These UK organisations offer information, exercise guidance and peer support for people living with osteoarthritis.

  • Versus Arthritis — charity with a helpline, exercise guidance, local groups and information on all forms of arthritis.[1]Versus Arthritis
  • Arthritis Action — charity offering self-management support, including exercise, diet and pain-management advice.
  • National Joint Registry — this is an official national registry, not a charity, and publishes joint-replacement outcomes and surgeon and hospital profiles.[4]NJR

Go straight to these organisations

These are separate organisations, not NHS services. Please take telephone numbers and opening hours from their own current pages. Each button opens in a new tab.

Versus Arthritis — official website (opens in a new tab)Arthritis Action — official website (opens in a new tab)National Joint Registry — official website (opens in a new tab)

These organisations are independent of Sixpence Support UK. Their inclusion is for information and signposting and does not imply a partnership or endorsement.

References
  1. [1] NHS. Osteoarthritis — overview · 2024
  2. [2] NICE. Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management — NG226 · 2022
  3. [3] Versus Arthritis. The State of Musculoskeletal Health · 2023
  4. [4] Royal College of Surgeons / National Joint Registry. NJR Annual Report · 2024