Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and a significant public health issue, commonly found among middle-aged and elderly individuals, with increasing prevalence as Thailand transitions into an entirely aged society. Knee osteoarthritis results from the deterioration of knee joint surfaces, causing friction between the underlying bones. This leads to knee pain, deformity, impaired mobility, and difficulty in performing daily activities, which can ultimately result in disability and physical as well as psychological suffering. The Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University, recognises the importance of this issue among older people. Therefore, it initiated the academic service project “Rak Kho Burapha” to enhance and develop knowledge about osteoarthritis in older people, promoting proper and appropriate application for sustainable improvement in their quality of life.
Project Coordinator:
Assistant Professor Dr. Prompong Anuchitchanchai
Objectives:
- To provide participants with knowledge and understanding of knee osteoarthritis, its symptoms, conservative treatments, surgical options, and appropriate self-care practices to prevent and reduce disease severity.
- To provide participants with knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, back pain, hand numbness, ankle pain, spinal degeneration, and osteoporosis.
- To enable participants to perform simple exercises and physiotherapy techniques to alleviate body pain.
Project Activities:
- Dissemination of knowledge to promote care and prevention of osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders among the elderly and interested individuals in Saensuk Municipality, with health assessments conducted before participation.
- Organising educational activities to strengthen and develop knowledge about osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorder management.
- Conducting activities to build awareness and prevent osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Launching awareness campaigns to provide information on osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Impacts:
Through the academic service project “Rak Kho Burapha”, a total of 158 participants attended across two training sessions. Participants learned about knee osteoarthritis, preventive measures, initial treatments, and further understanding of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, back pain, hand numbness, ankle pain, spinal degeneration, and osteoporosis. Moreover, they were able to apply this knowledge effectively in self-care practices.
Date of Implementation:
- Session 1: Friday, February 28, 2025
- Session 2: Friday, March 21, 2025
