Millions of Australians are suffering from the aches and pains associated with Osteoarthritis which is why the Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group is educating people on how to manage the often-crippling disease.
As part of World Arthritis Day, Dr Daevyd Rodda is hosting a free seminar on Saturday 12 October, 9 – 11am, at the Maroochy RSL to spread awareness and understanding about hip and knee osteoarthritis and the treatment options available.
Dr Rodda, who will be co-hosting with physiotherapist, Dion Wallace and Dietician, Chelsea McCallum, said the free seminar is designed to empower people to educate themselves about how to make the right decision when it comes to their health care.
“The World Arthritis Day motto is ‘don’t delay, connect today’ because early intervention is key in helping manage the condition,” said Dr Rodda.
“With one in five Australians over the age of 45 suffering from osteoarthritis, it’s important people talk to their GP if they’re experiencing discomfort.”
Physiotherapist Dion Wallace said early intervention with physiotherapy, mostly focusing around sensible exercise and lifestyle management, is considered front line treatment of osteoarthritis when combined with GP management.
“We walk our patients through different stages of managing the pain, which can be as simple as weight management and strengthening exercises,” Mr Wallace said.
Osteoarthritis is the most common condition that leads to hip and knee replacement surgery in Australia, with more than 50,000 people undergoing knee replacement surgery in 2015-16.
Dr Daevyd Rodda’s Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group offers both non-operative and operative care, with an emphasis on choosing the best treatment for the individual patient.
“Sometimes surgery is essential to achieving a reprieve from the pain, but it’s not the only option – experience physiotherapists can work wonders in managing symptoms,” said Mr Rodda.
“Surgery should be the last resort and when that decision is made, education is crucial as there are multiple surgery options available.”
Dr Rodda, Dr Frank Connon and their team have a focus of helping people to restore movement and regain confidence so they can get their life back on track.
Bookings are essential to take part in the free seminar at the Maroochy RSL on Memorial Avenue, Cotton Tree on 12 October from 9am – 10am. Refreshments will be provided.
Visit the Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group website on www.scorthogroup.com.au or call 07 5493 8038 for more information.
| Six Key tips to managing osteoarthritis:
1. Education – research the condition relevant to you so you can make the best choice about treatment 2. Weight management – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be effective to reducing joint pain 3. Medication management – Talk to your GP about the best medication to alleviate pain 4. Physiotherapy – strengthening and motion exercises can be a useful tool for managing symptoms 5. Lifestyle Modification – choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming and cycling rather than running 6. Injections – discuss with your GP the injections that could assist in pain management |
