The Challenges of Hip and Knee Arthritis: Surgery, Waiting Lists, and Beyond
The Challenges of Hip and Knee Arthritis: Surgery, Waiting Lists, and Beyond
In the realm of musculoskeletal health, hip and knee arthritis loom large as prevalent conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 1 in 10 people and by age 70, 50% of patients grapple with the debilitating effects of arthritis in these weight-bearing joints, making it a pervasive concern in modern healthcare.
The Growing Crisis: Overcoming the Hurdles of Arthritis
In the United Kingdom, the burden of hip and knee arthritis is acutely felt, with soaring waiting lists for surgical interventions. Classified as one of Britain's most pressing health dilemmas by ITVs documentary: New Knees and Hips: Britain’s Biggest Queue? over 1 million individuals find themselves languishing on NHS waiting lists, some enduring agonising delays stretching over years. As the largest NHS elective waiting list, the backlog reflects the overwhelming demand for surgical solutions to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. The main symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis include tenderness, pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joint leading to restricted movement in one or both limbs.
Orthopaedic surgeon, registrar and rest of the theatre team undergoing a procedure for a patient after a prolonged waiting list
The Toll of Prolonged Wait Times: A Struggle for Patients
Despite the promise of surgical intervention, the grim reality of extended wait times casts a shadow over patients' lives. Zoe Chivers from Versus Arthritis underscores the anguish of prolonged waiting, highlighting the detrimental impact on patients' physical and mental well-being. “The real crisis at movement is within the waiting times and it is a real postcode lottery wherever you are across the UK. One of the things we ask for as an organisation is that health trusts and health boards communicate with patients on there waiting list regarding how long they will be waiting as often, people feel like they’ve been left in the dark, and when you’re in pain that is the worst place to be”.
A recent survey on 324 patients via versus arthritis revealed 62% of patients were waiting over a year and 1 in 3 people was waiting over two years. Dr Benjamin Ellis a consultant rheumatologist states “If someone has waited as long as 12 months, 18 months, two years for the joint to be replaced the muscles surrounding the joint are going to be weak and the heart and lungs are not going to not as strong as you have not been able to be as active as you should hence there is a clinical consequence and a human cost to these long surgical waits.” With staggering statistics revealing prolonged waits exceeding a year, the urgency to address this crisis has never been more apparent.
Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
Amidst the clamour for surgical intervention, an essential question emerges: Is surgery the sole recourse for managing hip and knee arthritis? While surgical procedures like total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) offer respite for many, alternative avenues exist for those seeking conservative management approaches. Charity organisation versus arthritis have extensive information and research which has backed both endurance and resistance-based exercise training to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
A burgeoning interest in conservative management approaches emerges. ESCAPE Pain, a nationwide exercise and education program, offers a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with musculoskeletal conditions. By empowering patients with tools for self-management and promoting physical activity, programs like ESCAPE Pain offer a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of arthritis, however we have developed our own !
Example of our 48 page orthophysio guide. Available for both Hip and Knee arthritis for both post op and conservative management
Charting a Path Forward: Towards Holistic Management of Arthritis
Enter Orthophysio's comprehensive guides, meticulously designed to empower individuals with tools for conservative management and post op rehabilitation. Orthophysio's guides offer a holistic approach to managing hip and knee arthritis, incorporating tailored exercise plans, lifestyle modifications, and practical tips for daily living.
By emphasising the importance of exercise, mobility aids, and setting achievable goals, these guides serve as indispensable companions on the journey to improved joint health and function. With over 35 exercises set out in total it can be used both post op or if you want your hips or knees to get stronger.
Your orthophysio guide includes:
✅ Comprehensive information regarding your operation
✅ 4 week Pre-operative guided exercise plan
✅ Guidance and checklists for your hospital stay
✅ Post-operative exercises for your hospital stay
✅ 12-week post-op exercise program, structured:
✅ Early phase (Week 0 -2)
✅ Middle phase (Week 2-6)
✅ Late phase (Week 6-12)
✅ Q&A answering frequently answered questions
As the landscape of arthritis management evolves, embracing a multifaceted approach becomes imperative. From orthophysio guides to innovative treatment modalities, the journey towards optimal joint health demands a holistic paradigm shift. By fostering collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, we can chart a path forward towards a future where individuals afflicted by hip and knee arthritis find solace, support, and enduring relief.
