Osteoarthritis

Question 1

Management: Non pharmacological

Answer 1

Exercise
Weight reduction in obese patients - 5-10% aim
Application of local heat to affected joint

Question 2

Management: Pharmacological

Answer 2

Topical NSAID - 1st line
Oral NSAID + PPI - if topical didn’t work
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections - consider for short term relief, max. 4

Question 3

Management: Arthroplasty

Answer 3

Consider referral if QoL is being affected, treatment is ineffective or not suitable