FEATURE: EXERCISE IN KNEE OA EXERCISE IN KNEE OSTEOARTH DR CHRISTIAN BARTON IS A Many patients I see have been POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW AT given bad advice that makes their pain worse, not better. THE LA TROBE SPORT AND EXERCISE Helen, a 60-year-old accountant is a perfect example. My MEDICINE RESEARCH CENTRE AND heart sunk as Helen told me her story HOLDS A POSITION AT ST VINCENT’S a year ago. Two years earlier, she had fallen at work and fractured her knee HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. HE cap. After two months in a splint, the SPECIALISES IN PAIN MANAGEMENT knee cap had healed – great. INVOLVED WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS. Helen attempted to start exercising again, but the knee still hurt. An MRI requested THE ARTICLE BELOW IS A RE-EDITED by a specialist, diagnosed Helen with knee osteoarthritis. Doctors and specialists PIECE FROM A PATIENT CASE FEATURED told her painful exercise would damage ON THE SBS INSIGHT WEBSITE. her knee more – she needed to be careful. Within a couple of years, Helen would need a joint replacement. Helen now did very little physical activity, had gained 12kg, and was depressed. Before the injury, Helen would regularly paddle board, run, and box. She sat on the couch eating chocolate, fearful that her knee was becoming more damaged. 30 VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 2 2018