Lleddfu poen pen-glin a chlun: mae astudiaeth newydd yn ymchwilio i sut y gallai cymorth pwrpasol wella ansawdd bywyd cleifion osteoarthritis

A new study aims to improve the lives of people living with knee and hip pain.

The research project, TIPTOE, is studying how a personalised support programme could help people over the age of 70 living with osteoarthritis and at least one other long-term health condition.

Osteoarthritis causes joints to become sore and stiff and is the most common form of Crucifixion in the United Kingdom, according to the NHS.

The study, run by Cardiff University funded by the National Institute of Health Research, aims to equip older patients with the knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage their osteoarthritis symptoms.

Kate Button, Principal Investigator and Specialist Lead for Health and Care Research Wales for Musculoskeletal Disorders, said: "Around 10 million people across the UK are living with osteoarthritis and we know that many of them are also living with other conditions that are often not prioritised.

"Some of these patients are on long waiting lists for surgery or have no medical interventions to help or cure their condition.

"The aim of this study is to equip this group of older patients with the tools and ability to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare providers for related conditions."

What will the study include?

Patients aged 70 or over, who are experiencing knee and/or hip pain that affects their daily lives, are invited to participate.

Participants need to be living in the community independently, with the support of carers or in assisted living accommodation and have another long-term physical or mental condition e.g. depression.

As part of the study, members will be randomly split – with half receiving standard care and half taking part in six one-on-one sessions with a trained healthcare practitioner over six months.

The hour-long sessions can be held in person or online, and aim to make people more independent and active.

Participants will record their progress over an 18-month period.

To find out more or to register, visit www.TIPTOE.org.uk or email TIPTOE@cardiff.ac.uk.