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Weight Management and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Practical Approach for Primary Care Patients
Thompson, Adam B
Thompson, Adam B
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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability, with obesity being the most significant modifiable risk factor for its progression. Weight loss has been shown to substantially reduce knee joint load, yet knee pain often limits physical activity, creating a challenging cycle. In Connecticut, 21.3% of adults have arthritis, and obesity rates have risen to 30%. The high cost of knee OA management, including knee replacements, underscores the need for preventive strategies to reduce financial and healthcare burdens. A one-page pamphlet was developed to provide evidence-based guidance on weight management and knee OA, incorporating recommendations from peer-reviewed literature and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The pamphlet was distributed at a primary care clinic in New Canaan, Connecticut, offering information on beneficial exercises and local community resources for weight management. The pamphlet was made readily available to patients and well received by clinic staff. While direct patient feedback was limited, the intervention ensured that educational materials were accessible to those seeking guidance on weight management in the setting of knee OA pain. Future interventions should incorporate structured patient feedback, extend the distribution period, and expand availability to additional clinics and community centers.
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2025-01-01
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Adam_Thompson_FM_project.pdf
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