“My osteoarthritis is not the same as the millions of others” – conceptions of osteoarthritis among people with hip and knee osteoarthritis

Individuals’ perceptions of osteoarthritis shape their illness experience and management. Understanding these perceptions is essential for identifying and creating more meaningful and effective care practices. This study aimed to explore the varying understandings of osteoarthritis among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis and identify critical differences between them. We followed a phenomenographic methodology, collecting individual interviews from 20 people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using phenomenographic analysis. Analysis yielded four hierarchically widening categories illuminating understandings of osteoarthritis: (1) Incurable, crippling disease; (2) Progressive, erosive disease of aging joints; (3) Inevitable joint degradation due to living and loading; and (4) Multifaceted condition. The categories encompassed seven varying themes of expanding awareness: etiology, nature, life consequences, coping attitudes, physical activity, management, and healthcare professionals’ attitudes. An advanced understanding of osteoarthritis encompasses broader knowledge of the condition, increased confidence in managing it, recognition of personal coping strategies, strengthened acceptance, individualized guidance and support from healthcare professionals, and an enhanced sense of agency. These findings can be useful in developing osteoarthritis management practices and patient education that address different understandings and needs, including the correction of unhelpful misconceptions. Conceptions of osteoarthritis shape the illness experience and may influence the understanding of how the condition can be managed.A limited understanding of osteoarthritis and a lack of confidence in managing it can lead to solely relying on second-line management options, such as passive treatments or seeking surgical treatment, instead of guideline-based first-line management such as exercise.Better understanding of osteoarthritis and its management can improve patients’ engagement in self-management.Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should recognize the different conceptions that individuals have about osteoarthritis and use this understanding to tailor management strategies and patient education to suit their needs.By providing accurate information, correcting unhelpful misconceptions, and reinforcing the understanding of osteoarthritis as a manageable condition, HCPs can promote patients’ agency. Conceptions of osteoarthritis shape the illness experience and may influence the understanding of how the condition can be managed. A limited understanding of osteoarthritis and a lack of confidence in managing it can lead to solely relying on second-line management options, such as passive treatments or seeking surgical treatment, instead of guideline-based first-line management such as exercise. Better understanding of osteoarthritis and its management can improve patients’ engagement in self-management. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should recognize the different conceptions that individuals have about osteoarthritis and use this understanding to tailor management strategies and patient education to suit their needs. By providing accurate information, correcting unhelpful misconceptions, and reinforcing the understanding of osteoarthritis as a manageable condition, HCPs can promote patients’ agency.