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Medical management of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints
Author(s) -
Grainger Rebecca,
Cicuttini Flavia M
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2004.tb05892.x
Subject(s) - osteoarthritis , medicine , analgesic , arthritis , physical therapy , intensive care medicine , alternative medicine , anesthesia , pathology
Abstract Osteoarthritis is a common, chronic condition which requires an individualised management plan involving multiple kinds of treatment. Exercise programs and the Arthritis Self‐Management Program reduce pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis. Paracetamol is the most appropriate first‐line analgesic. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may be used as second‐line analgesia on an as‐needed basis (including continuous use), but must be used with caution. Cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐specific inhibitors are used if there are risk factors for upper‐gastrointestinal complications, but only after considering cardiovascular risk. Glucosamine sulfate is a safe and effective over‐the‐counter treatment. Intra‐articular therapies are used when others have failed.