Implementation of best-evidence rehabilitation for hip, knee and hand osteoarthritis in Africa: A cause for concern

Increasing OA prevalence with subpar rehabilitation may result in lower quality of life and function for individuals diagnosed with hip, knee, hand and other joint OA, leading to a substantial financial burden on the individual, family, community, stakeholders and governmental levels. Development of African context-specific evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines and improved training on current guidelines by universities and professional societies are needed. Policy makers prioritizing OA as a pertinent burden of disease is lacking in Africa. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed where early referral to physiotherapists is emphasized.