Knee osteoarthritis: myths and conservative treatment, with Anthony Teoli

Knee osteoarthritis is presented as a complex, multifactorial condition rather than simple “wear and tear.” The talk explains what osteoarthritis is, how it develops, and which risk factors matter most, including age, obesity, previous knee injury, malalignment, muscle weakness, occupational load, and some sport exposures. It also addresses common myths, especially the belief that running automatically causes knee osteoarthritis, and explains why recreational activity is not necessarily harmful. Learners are guided through clinical assessment, diagnosis, useful functional tests, and the limits of imaging, including the mismatch that can exist between X-ray severity and pain. The role of gait changes, joint loading, and central sensitization in symptoms and progression is also covered. A major focus is evidence-based conservative management. Exercise, physical activity, patient education, and weight management are emphasized as first-line treatment, with discussion of land-based exercise, strength training, walking, cycling, aquatic exercise, and Tai Chi. The session also reviews manual therapy, modalities, injections, supplements, and surgery, highlighting which approaches have stronger evidence and which remain uncertain or are not well supported.