Excerpt
The disease we call “osteoarthritis” (OA) manifests itself as pain in joints and restricted function. Rheumatologists have long been aware that such impairment and limited movement have consequences for the extent to which people with OA can engage in domestic and social life. And yet the social consequences of OA remain relatively under researched. Closing this gap in our knowledge is important. As Gignac and colleagues point out in this issue of The Journal, the ability to fulfil social roles and obligations is what matters to people with OA1.
There is a clear argument for using participation in social roles…