HMC experts draw attention to the prevention and management of osteoarthritis

With nearly 20 percent of Qatar's population living with some form of osteoarthritis, Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) physiotherapists highlight the importance of physiotherapy in managing and treating this common condition.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that affects more than 500 million people worldwide and is characterized by cartilage loss or destruction and synovial inflammation leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.

World Physiotherapy Day, also known as World PT Day, is observed every year on September 8 and is an opportunity for physiotherapists around the world to raise awareness of the critical role their profession plays in keeping people comfortable, mobile and independent.

On this year's World Physiotherapy Day, the department is highlighting the role physiotherapy plays in providing advice and education to patients on pain relief and how to manage OA, said Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of Physiotherapy at HMC.

OA is a major cause of disability worldwide, and the joints most commonly affected by OA are the knees, hips and hands,” said Al Mudahka, “OA can cause muscle weakness, reduced flexibility, weight gain, limited mobility, and can affect any number of conditions. joint, but commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck," said Al Mudahka.