The importance of nonpharmacologic approaches in management of osteoarthritis.
Treatment of the patient with osteoarthritis should be comprehensive, with nonpharmacologic approaches considered as primary therapy, and analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) assigned to an adjunctive role. These nonmedicinal approaches can include joint protection strategies; the use of thermal modalities (heat and cold) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); the development of exercise programs (that focus not only on the localized impairment, but on the functional limitations and disability secondary to inactivity); weight loss programs; the use of patellar tapping, wedged insoles, tidal irrigation (of the knee); and the introduction of coping skills and social support.
Indiana University Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Center, Rheumatology Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46223, USA.
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Brandt
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003080:Cold Temperature; D015444:Exercise; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D015431:Weight Loss