The treatment and prevention of knee osteoarthritis: A tool for clinical decision-making
Bliddal H et al. – Review focuses on increasing prevalence of degenerative diseases, related in part to steep increase in the prevalence of obesity. Need for more research into the associated osteoarthritis (OA) of weight-bearing joints is emphasized. Therapy may include dietary programs for weight loss as well as joint-saving exercises.Methods- Aim was to review a hierarchy of interventions for OA in clinical practice, and compare it with the Strength of Recommendation (SOR) proposed by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)
- Randomized controlled trials, published systematic reviews and meta-analyses were searched in databases
Results- Only a few preventive measures are available and they are uncertain
- Basic therapy includes:
- Reduction in weight in the obese, and
- Exercises to keep in shape
- in accordance with the OARSI guidelines (OARSI) emphasizing the need for obese individuals with knee OA to loose weight
- There are indications of an effect of some nutraceuticals, though further studies are needed for validation
- Pharmacological treatment: paracetamol as primary prescription, which is a safe, albeit weak analgesic
- Supplementary medications: prescribed according to level of pain and possible inflammation
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