Walking Aids OA — SCE Rheumatology MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Consider a walking aid to improve safe, independent mobility and reduce loading of the affected joint
Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E
NICE recommends considering walking aids, such as walking sticks, for people with lower-limb osteoarthritis. In this patient, pain and unsteadiness while walking provide clear functional reasons to consider an aid. Walking aids can improve balance and walking pattern, reduce weight bearing through the affected joint and support safe, independent mobility. Their use is not restricted to patients awaiting or recovering from joint replacement, so A and D are incorrect. They do not inherently worsen osteoarthritis or inevitably cause clinically important weakness, excluding C. A wheelchair is not a prerequisite; walking aids are intended to preserve mobility before such severe limitation develops, excluding E.
Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226), section 1.3, recommendation 1.3.10: Devices. 2022. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226/chapter/recommendations