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Osteoarthritis Treatment Gaps Revealed: Austrian Registry Shows Disconnect in Care
Barcelona, Spain – A New Study Presented At The 2025 European Alliance Of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress In Barcelona Reveals Significant Gaps Between Recommended Guidelines And Real-World Treatment Of Osteoarthritis. The Austrian registry data highlights that many patients are not receiving key interventions, especially dietary and weight management support, despite their proven benefits.
Key Findings From The BLOAR Registry
The BLOAR (Biologic And Outcome Registry Austria) registry, encompassing data from 1,716 individuals with osteoarthritis across Austria, paints a detailed picture of current treatment approaches. The research underscores a critical need to bridge the divide between expert recommendations and everyday clinical practice.
Prevalence and Impact
- Knee Osteoarthritis Is The Most Common (52.2%),Followed By hand (23.5%), Hip (17.7%), And Other Joints (6.7%).
- Over 80% of patients reported moderate to severe disease impact.
- 16% Had To Reduce Work hours Or Lost Their Job Due To The Condition.
- Pain Levels Averaged 24.7 At rest And 42.8 During Activity (On A Scale of 1-100).
Treatment modalities Used
The BLOAR Registry Data Shows A Mix of Treatment Approaches:
- 67.0% Consulted doctors.
- 61.4% Received Physiotherapy
- 60.4% Received Physical Therapy
- Alarmingly, Only 11.8% Received Dietary Interventions And Weight Management Programs.
- 37.5% Used Medications, Including Pain Relief.
- 40.3% Took Vitamins, And 12.6% Used Plant-Based Products.
The Disconnect: Evidence Vs. Practice
The Study Highlights A significant Discrepancy: While EULAR Guidelines Emphasize Weight Management For Hip And Knee Osteoarthritis,Very Few Patients Receive Such Interventions.
“People With Hip Or Knee Osteoarthritis Should Be Offered Education On The Importance Of Maintaining A Healthy Weight; Those Overweight Or Obese Should Be Offered support To Achieve And Maintain Weight Loss,” The Guidelines State. Though, Real-world Implementation Lags Far behind.
Non-Evidence-Based Treatments
Another Concern Raised Is The High Prevalence Of Non-Evidence-based Treatments,Such As Vitamins And Plant-Based Products,Which Are Not recommended By EULAR.
Valentina schmolik Noted, “While Close To 70% Of Patients Receive Consultations And Physiotherapy Or Physical Therapy, There Is A high Prevalence Of Non-Evidence-Based Treatments… And This Is Surprising.”
Moving Forward: Bridging the Gap
The Authors Urge Healthcare Providers To Prioritize Aligning Treatment Approaches With Established Guidelines To Improve Outcomes For Individuals With Osteoarthritis. Increasing awareness of evidence-based interventions and addressing patient misconceptions are critical steps.
Recommendations For Improved Osteoarthritis Care
- Raise Awareness: Educate healthcare professionals and patients about evidence-based interventions.
- Implement Guidelines: Ensure that treatment approaches align with established guidelines.
- Address Misconceptions: Understand patient preferences and address misconceptions through targeted education.
- Prioritize Weight Management: Offer support for weight loss and maintenance to overweight or obese patients.
Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Summary
| Treatment Type | Percentage of Patients Receiving | EULAR Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Consultations | 67.0% | Recommended |
| physiotherapy | 61.4% | Recommended |
| Physical Therapy | 60.4% | Recommended |
| Dietary Interventions & Weight Management | 11.8% | Strongly Recommended For Hip & Knee OA |
| Medications (Pain Relief) | 37.5% | Recommended |
| Vitamins | 40.3% | Not Recommended By EULAR |
| Plant-Based Products | 12.6% | Not Recommended By EULAR |
What Are Your Thoughts On These Findings? How Can Healthcare Providers Better Support Patients With Osteoarthritis?
Have You Or Someone You Know Experienced Challenges In Receiving Appropriate Osteoarthritis Treatment?
Understanding Osteoarthritis: A Long-Term Viewpoint
Osteoarthritis Is A Degenerative Joint Disease That Affects Millions Worldwide. While There Is No Cure, Effective Management Strategies Can Significantly Improve Quality Of Life. These Strategies Include Lifestyle Modifications, Physical Therapy, And, When Necessary, Medical interventions. Staying Informed And Proactive is Key To Managing This Chronic Condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis
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What Is The Most Common Form Of Osteoarthritis?
The most common Form Of osteoarthritis Affects The Knee.
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What Treatments Are Underutilized In Osteoarthritis Care?
Dietary Interventions And Weight Management Programs Are Notably Underutilized, Despite Being Recommended In Guidelines For Managing Osteoarthritis.
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Are Osteoarthritis Treatments Evidence-Based?
Not Always. The Austrian Osteoarthritis Registry Showed A High Prevalence of Non-Evidence-Based Treatments Like Vitamins And plant-Based Products, Which Are Not Recommended By EULAR.
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How Does Osteoarthritis Impact Daily Life?
Osteoarthritis Can Significantly Affect Physical Function, daily Activities, And Overall Quality Of Life Due To Chronic Pain And Reduced Mobility.
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What Is The Role Of Physiotherapy In Osteoarthritis Management?
Physiotherapy, Including Both Active (Functional Therapy) And Passive (Electrotherapy, Heat, Etc.) Modalities, Is A Common Treatment For Osteoarthritis.
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What Percentage Of people Consult Doctors For Osteoarthritis?
Approximately 67% Of Individuals With Osteoarthritis Consult Doctors For Their Condition.
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