Appointments only · Reception Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–3:30pm, Sat 10am–1:30pm (01) 575 2623
Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Book Appointment

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Dublin

By Dr Lawrence Woods

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. This page explains what it is, what the research and guidelines recommend, and how we approach osteoarthritis at our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.

What is osteoarthritis?

In osteoarthritis, the joint's cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues change over time, and the joint can become painful and stiff. It becomes more common with age, and after joint injuries. It isn't simply "wear and tear": joints respond to movement and exercise, and many people with osteoarthritis stay active and manage their symptoms well [1].

Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination, without a scan, in people aged 45 or over who have joint pain with activity and short-lived morning stiffness [1].

What helps?

NICE says the core treatments for osteoarthritis are exercise, weight management where it applies, and information and support [1].

Exercise

A programme of strengthening and general activity, tailored to you, is the main treatment. For knee osteoarthritis, a large review of trials found exercise reduced pain and improved function compared with no exercise; the benefit is usually modest and builds over weeks [2]. It works best if you keep it up.

Osteoarthritis exercise

Weight

For people who are carrying extra weight, losing some can ease joint pain and make everyday activities easier. Even a small amount can help, and more tends to help more [1]. If you'd like support, your GP can help, and we can build activity into your plan.

Hands-on treatment

Hands-on treatment can be considered for hip and knee osteoarthritis, but only alongside exercise. There isn't enough evidence to support it on its own [1].

Laser and other electrotherapy

NICE does not recommend laser, TENS, ultrasound or other electrotherapy for osteoarthritis [1]. Some trials of low-level laser for knee osteoarthritis have found short-term pain relief [3]. Laser is available on request after we've discussed the evidence with you, alongside exercise.

Medicines and injections

Ask your GP or pharmacist about pain relief. NICE does not recommend glucosamine or hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis [1].

How we approach osteoarthritis

  • Assessment first. Your first visit is an assessment with our chiropractor or Chartered Physiotherapist, and includes a first treatment if it's suitable.
  • A plan built around exercise, with hands-on treatment if it suits you.
  • A review at your sixth visit, repeating your questionnaire and checking your goals.
  • Waiting for a joint replacement opinion? We'll help you use the time to get stronger, and can send a summary of your progress to your GP. See knee pain.

Free, reliable information is available from jointpain.ie and Arthritis Ireland. You can book an appointment or contact us with any questions.

Sources

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226
  2. Lawford BJ, Hall M, Hinman RS, et al. (2024). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004376. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004376.pub4
  3. Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open 9:e031142. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142