Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide. It is characterised by progressive changes in the joint — including cartilage loss, bony changes and low-grade inflammation — but it is far from the simple “wear and tear” it is often described as.
The joints most commonly affected in active patients are the knee, hip, shoulder and big toe. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, symptoms, function and quality of life can be significantly improved with a structured, individualised management plan. Exercise, strength training and load management — not rest — are the cornerstones of modern OA care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A referral is not required but a referral from your GP or other medical practitioner entitles you to a Medicare rebate on your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Liam West makes the diagnosis of osteoarthritis based on your history, symptom pattern and physical examination. Imaging is not always required, as OA is primarily a clinical diagnosis. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis and grade severity.
If knee, hip or shoulder arthritis is limiting your activity, book an appointment with Dr. Liam West, our Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician at Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic. You can also learn more about our complete Sports Medicine service.
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Dr Liam West is a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and Head Doctor of Hawthorn Football Club. He brings extensive experience across AFL, Athletics (Track and Field) and Football (Soccer), with specialist expertise in bone, muscle, tendon and joint injuries. Liam served as Sports Doctor for the Australian Athletics Team at the 2018 & 2022 Commonwealth Games, and holds a Masters of Sports and Exercise Medicine and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
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Joint Injuries (Shoulder & Knee) | Ligament Injuries | Injections | Exercise for Chronic Medical Conditions
Our team look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals
Injections do not reverse osteoarthritis, but they can provide useful short- to medium-term pain relief in selected patients, often allowing more productive rehabilitation.
Most people with osteoarthritis will never need joint replacement. Surgery is usually considered only after an adequate trial of evidence-based conservative care has not adequately controlled symptoms.
Injections do not reverse osteoarthritis, but they can provide useful short- to medium-term pain relief in selected patients, often allowing more productive rehabilitation.
A referral is not required but a referral from your GP or other medical practitioner entitles you to a Medicare rebate on your consultation.
