The role of analgesics and intra-articular injections in disease management.
The focus of pharmacologic treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) includes targets from the cell and cytokine level to the larger joint components such as cartilage, bone, innervations, and vascular supply. The most important goals of therapy in patients who have OA are pain management, improvement in function and disability, and ultimately disease modification. This article discusses the current pharmacologic regimens available to address these goals. Specific attention is paid to current trends and controversies related to pharmacologic management, including the use of oral, topical, and injectable agents.
Harvey
William F
WF
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. wharvey@bu.edu
Hunter
David J
DJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002807:Chondroitin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011379:Prognosis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000187:drug effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002807:Chondroitin; D005944:Glucosamine