Overview 

Osteoarthritis (OA) flares are periods when symptoms suddenly worsen and can have a major impact on daily life and treatment decisions. However, there is currently no widely accepted way to measure OA flares. This international study aims to determine which aspects of an OA flare matter most to people living with hip and/or knee OA and health care professionals, and to identify when symptoms become severe enough to warrant changes in treatment. The findings will help improve how OA flares are measured in research and clinical care.

Start and end date

April 11, 2026 to August 10, 2026

What will be done?

Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey (approximately 15–20 minutes). Participants will be asked to reflect on a recent hip and/or knee osteoarthritis flare, including whether treatment was needed, and indicate which symptoms and impacts of the flare (such as pain, stiffness, swelling, effects on daily activities, and emotional well-being) are most important to them. Responses will be used to improve the measurement of OA flares.

Participation includes:

• Completing one anonymous online survey (15–20 minutes).
• Reflecting on a recent hip and/or knee osteoarthritis flare, including any treatment received.
• Identifying which symptoms and impacts of an OA flare are most important to you.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Are living with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis or are a health care professional who cares for people with arthritis

How do people get involved?

Complete the survey here. You can contact Dr. Megan Thomas if you have any questions at mthomas@arthritisresearch.ca.

This study has been approved by the ethical committee of the University of Nancy (Université de Lorraine), France. It respects the European General Data Regulation Protection.

Who is on the research team?

Dr. Francis Guillemin (Université de Lorraine)

Dr. Lauren King (University of Toronto)

Dr. Lyn March (University of Sydney)

Dr. Megan Thomas (University of Calgary)

Aaron Beier (Western University)