PhysioGuru

Peripheral arterial disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality for people in many Western countries. It is estimated that most adults have some degree of atherosclerosis by the time they reach middle age, and that approximately 4% will have intermittent claudication. Risk factors for the development of lower limb arterial disease are similar to those for coronary heart disease and include smoking, raised cholesterol levels, hypertension and diabetes. Several epidemiological studies have also demonstrated an association between sedentary habits and increased risk of claudication.

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common rheumatic disease, primarily affects the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of a synovial joint and results in joint failure. The most typical radiographic features are the formation of osteophytes at the joint margins, joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cyst formation and chondro-calcinosis. Altered biomechanics, resulting in increased joint loading rate or localised stress in the articular cartilage, has an important role in both the initiation and progression of knee OA. International guidelines advocate various non-pharmacological treatments, including exercise, as the first line of management for people with OA.