Relieve your knee and hip pain: a new study investigates how bespoke support could improve quality of life for osteoarthritis patients

A new study is trying to improve the lives of people living with knee and hip pain.

The research project, TIPTOE, is studying how a personalised support programme could help people over 70 who live with osteoarthritis and at least one other long-term health condition. 

Osteoarthritis causes joints to become painful and stiff and is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, according to the NHS.

Run by Cardiff University and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the study aims to give older patients the knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage their osteoarthritis symptoms.

Chief investigator and Health and Care Research Wales’ Specialty Lead for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Kate Button said: “There are around 10 million people across the UK living with osteoarthritis and we know that many of them also live with other conditions that are often not prioritised.

“Some of these patients are on long waiting lists for surgery or have no medical interventions to help or cure their condition. 

“This study aims to give this group of older patients the tools and ability to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life and thus reduce the burden on healthcare providers for associated conditions.”  

What will the study involve?

Patients aged 70 or over who experience knee and/or hip pain which is impacting their daily lives are invited to take part.

Participants need to be living in the community independently, with carer support or in assisted living and have another long-term physical or mental condition e.g. depression.

As part of the study, members will be randomised – with half receiving standard care and half taking part in six one-to-one sessions with a trained healthcare practitioner over six months.

The hour-long sessions can be held in person or online and aim to make people more independent and active.

Participants will record their progress over the course of 18 months.

To find out more or to register take part visit www.TIPTOE.org.uk or email TIPTOE@cardiff.ac.uk.