New plan aims to reduce the growing impact of osteoarthritis
13 Oct 2026
Osteoarthritis is becoming a growing health concern around the world. The condition affected an estimated 600 million people in 2023, and this figure is expected to reach one billion by 2050. Although there is currently no cure, a new report outlines ways to improve prevention and care.
Published in The Lancet, the report sets out three main priorities for health systems:
Collect better data on the number of people affected and the cost of the condition, while including joint health in national health policies.
Make quality care more affordable and accessible by including osteoarthritis in general practice and chronic disease services.
Reduce the risk of developing the condition by addressing excess body weight and preventing joint injuries at work and during sport.
Lead author Professor Andrew Briggs from Curtin University says osteoarthritis is not receiving enough attention in chronic disease care. He believes the condition is often poorly managed, despite the growing number of people affected.
Professor Briggs told newsGP that osteoarthritis cases are increasing worldwide, including in Australia. An ageing population and risk factors linked to other chronic diseases are also contributing to the increase.
He warned that general practices could face greater pressure as more people seek help, particularly if healthcare services do not expand to meet demand.
There are currently no medicines that can stop or reverse the disease process in osteoarthritis. While new treatments may offer hope, current care mainly focuses on easing symptoms and helping people maintain their movement and daily activities.
Professor Briggs said treatment should not rely on medicines alone. Education, support with weight management and regular physical activity are also important. Some patients may need extra help from allied health professionals, which can require more time and resources.
He added that osteoarthritis is often seen as a normal part of getting older, leading some people to believe little can be done to manage it. The condition also receives limited attention in national health policies and chronic disease services.
The new roadmap aims to encourage governments to recognise the scale of the problem and improve access to reliable health information and appropriate support.
More than two million Australians are living with osteoarthritis, making it the country's most common form of arthritis. The knees, hips and hands are among the joints most often affected.
Researchers say population ageing, rising obesity rates and joint injuries are expected to contribute to the growing number of cases by 2050.
The report recommends preventing joint injuries and addressing excess body weight throughout life. It also calls for care that helps people understand their condition and take an active role in managing it.
Professor Briggs highlighted the importance of proper rehabilitation after a knee injury, whether it happens during sport or at work. Australia has high rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and repeated knee injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later.
The report calls on health systems to treat osteoarthritis as a major chronic condition because of its impact on disability, healthcare and society.
Its authors say health policies should focus not only on preventing early deaths but also on reducing avoidable illness and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is also updating its Guidelines for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, with the revised guidance expected in mid-2027.
New plan aims to reduce the growing impact of osteoarthritis
Source: newsGP, with research published in The Lancet.