Osteoarthritis: what to look for, and when to treat it. Interview by Peter Pompei.
In patients with suspected osteoarthritis, start with a thorough history aimed at finding the mechanical component of the condition. Ask about past and current activities that may be loading or stressing a painful joint. Conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis are those affecting soft tissues-muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae. Injecting the tender are with lidocaine will help identify a separate or coexisting soft tissue disorder. Before considering drug therapy, attempt to correct any mechanical factors that may be contributing to the problem. Modify the patient's exercise routine, if necessary, and begin patients on a walking aid if a weight-bearing joint is affected.
Clyman
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D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012737:Sex Factors