used CAM most often , sometimes in combination with pharmaceutical medicine . 20 Evidence-informed practice requires engagement with the best available evidence and using this evidence , where relevant , to inform clinical decisions . Practitioners will continue to use their clinical judgement based on their practice experiences and negotiate management plans with clients / patients . Evidence-informed practice for patients with osteoarthritis means incorporating recommendations from clinical practice guidelines into clinical decisions . For managing osteoarthritis , the most important recommendations are those about lifestyle modification , particularly regular suitable physical activity and a program designed to reduce body weight , and educating patients / clients how to self-manage their symptoms . Patients / clients need to know that they can do a lot to manage their arthritis symptoms . Practitioners can help their patients / clients to understand what triggers their exacerbations and help them recognise the treatments or combination of treatments that help reduce symptoms during those periods . Such discussions can form part of every natural medicine consultation with people with osteoarthritis .
Conclusion
Clinical practice guidelines are developed from the highest-quality available evidence and provide recommendations to inform clinical practice . All guidelines for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis now highlight the importance of lifestyle advice , particularly regular exercise and weight loss , and of educating patients / clients to self-manage their condition . Such important recommendations are likely to enhance the quality of care provided to those with osteoarthritis . These recommendations are an essential part of patient education that should be incorporated in all natural medicine practices .
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