Holistic and Comprehensive Management of Knee Osteoarthritis Using a Family Medicine Approach in Primary Health Care: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease and one of the leading causes of pain, functional limitation, and disability among older adults. Knee osteoarthritis is commonly associated with advanced age, female sex, overweight, repetitive joint loading, and inadequate physical activity. In primary health care, osteoarthritis management should not only focus on pain control but also address individual, family, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors through a holistic and comprehensive approach. A 69-year-old woman presented to the general outpatient clinic of Puskesmas Pertiwi, Makassar, with intermittent pain in the left knee for two weeks. The pain worsened during walking and knee movement and improved with rest. She also reported morning stiffness in the affected knee. The patient had a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and was routinely taking amlodipine, simvastatin, and mecobalamin. Physical examination showed stable vital signs and an overweight nutritional status with a body mass index of 28.89 kg/m². No supporting investigation was performed. The patient was clinically diagnosed with osteoarthritis accompanied by hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. A family medicine approach identified several contributing factors, including limited knowledge of osteoarthritis, lack of routine health control, anxiety about disease progression, overweight, frequent stair use, and suboptimal dietary habits. Management included pharmacological therapy, lifestyle modification, weight control education, joint protection advice, routine follow-up, and family involvement to improve adherence and psychosocial support. This case highlights the importance of holistic and comprehensive osteoarthritis management in primary care. A family medicine approach can help identify clinical and non-clinical factors affecting disease progression, improve patient understanding, strengthen family support, and promote sustainable lifestyle changes.