title: Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.
abstract: Osteoarthritis presents in primary and secondary forms. The primary, or idiopathic, form occurs in previously intact joints without any inciting agent, whereas the secondary form is caused by underlying predisposing factors (eg, trauma). The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is primarily based on thorough history and physical examination findings, with or without radiographic evidence. Although some patients may be asymptomatic initially, the most common symptom is pain. Treatment options are generally classified as pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, surgical, and complementary and/or alternative, typically used in combination to achieve optimal results. The goals of treatment are alleviation of symptoms and improvement in functional status.
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine Program, Department of Family Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital Chicago, 15th Street at California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. Electronic address: ela.taruc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Rafaelani L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Taruc-Uy
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lynch
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents
keywords: Joint deformity; Joint inflammation; Joint pain; Joint swelling; Osteoarthritis; Osteophytes