Introduction. Socioeconomic impact of osteoarthritis (OA) in the health care system in the world is steadily increasing. Social and medical costs associated with the course of OA increases with worsening health status, disease severity and the time of its duration. Aim. The study aimed to analyze the available literature, the results of the sale of pharmaceuticals and physiotherapy services applicable to OA in order to estimate the expenses incurred by patients in the city of Bialystok. Material and methods. The study analyzed data from the 2013 years of the services of physiotherapy in private institutions and state. Also analyzed sales data of preparations used in OA of 15 pharmacies in Bialystok. Results. The mean waiting time for outpatient physiotherapy treatment refunded by the National Health Service in 2013 amounted to 168 days. In these same institutions waiting time for comercial treatments averages 6 days. Costs of commercial rehabilitation was higher in private clinics in relation to the institutions of state. In the 2010–2012 observed an increase in sales of preparations for the treatment and prevention of degenerative joint diseases. Conclusions. Long waiting time for physiotherapy services sector refunded significantly affect the quality of life of patients and physiotherapy treatment effects that are directly related to the development of OA. The increase in sales of pharmaceuticals may provide for increasing patient awareness about the prevention and treatment of OA. Interdisciplinary action taken in advance can significantly help to reduce the costs associated with OA treatment.

Key words: osteoarthritis, medical expenses, physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy.