My story: Agneta

Agneta had long struggled with pain in her right knee, but because she felt she could still manage daily life despite the discomfort, it took a while before she sought medical advice. However, delaying seeking care meant postponing the right treatment, which eventually led to an emergency hospital visit. At the hospital, she underwent an X-ray, revealing advanced osteoarthritis with barely any remaining cartilage in her right knee joint. It was too late in the disease progression for self-care at the base of the treatment pyramid; surgical intervention became necessary immediately.

It has been over 3 years since Agneta received a knee prosthesis and felt pain-free for the first time in a long while.

Receiving a new knee joint was a significant improvement in quality of life. When the cartilage was nearly gone, and bone rubbed against bone, surgery was the only option. I am extremely satisfied with my knee surgery.

Following her knee surgery, her doctor recommended individualised exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. A physiotherapist regularly visited her for postoperative exercises. Later, she hired a personal trainer to continue her postoperative training.

Since retiring after her surgery, Agneta now has ample time for frequent exercise. Postoperative exercise is just as crucial as preoperative exercise. In fact, exercise is essential for maintaining good joint health throughout life, especially after an osteoarthritis diagnosis.

Agneta shares that she also has osteoarthritis in her other knee, but regular exercise has so far helped her avoid another surgery. Using the Joint Academy app for over two years, she performs daily 20-minute exercises. Her operated knee is now completely problem-free.

I keep my osteoarthritis in check in my left knee through exercise. I truly notice the difference when I dedicate extra time to training. Thanks to exercise and "Joint Academy", I am pain-free in that knee as well.

Many people fear exercising when they experience pain and often avoid it. However, there’s no reason to be afraid of exercising if the pain returns to its “normal level” within 24 hours after exercise.

Agneta believes that as soon as she skips exercise for a few days, symptoms return in her left knee almost immediately. She wishes more people understood the importance of exercising even when it hurts.

Some give up too quickly because it’s painful. Yes, it hurts initially, but doing the right exercises and giving it time makes a difference.

Apart from her knees, Agneta has osteoarthritis in her hips, hands, shoulders, and foot. She ensures she exercises these joints too, knowing that exercise is vital for all joints. Specific hand exercises from an occupational therapist and special shoe insoles for foot pain have helped her. A physiotherapist has also assisted her with shoulder exercises. Agneta has no obvious risk factors for her widespread osteoarthritis, and she has always been an active person. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can affect anyone, even without clear risk factors.

Agneta finds pain medication unnecessary. Instead, she focuses on exercise, even when it hurts, and works on her posture and gait.

It took time and effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Exercise truly is essential.

Despite having osteoarthritis in multiple joints, Agneta always tries to stay positive and maintain her spirits." ¹²

Of course, osteoarthritis has limited my mobility in daily life. However, I don’t try to see it that way. Instead, I view it as my current ability, and I live according to that ability.”

The picture is generic and is not linked to the person in the text.