Eureka! Institutional Repository

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases of the joints of the human body worldwide and the main targets of this disease are the older populations. Primarily this disease affects the larger joints, such as the knee and hip, which are the main forms to be considered in this study. The purpose of this work was to present osteoarthritis in the elderly, as this is its main apidemiological character, and to examine the affection of the hip and knee by it, as well as how the science of physiotherapy can contribute to the management of the disease in these joints. To achieve this goal a bibliographic review of scientific databases and scientific books was carried out. This extended research has led to the conclusion that osteoarthritis has a wide range of symptoms and joints that it can affect and is a multidimensional disease with physical, psychological and socioeconomic impact on patients suffering. Hip and knee are statistically the most commonly affected joints and it is very important how physiotherapy with a variety of interventions can alleviate symptoms and provide an easier and painless daily routine for patients.