Knee osteoarthritis management therapies.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, particularly in older adults, with a significant incidence in middle-aged populations.
• Key risk factors include age, female sex, obesity, prior knee injury, and occupational knee strain.
• While articular cartilage loss is characteristic, subchondral bone and soft tissue alterations are also prominent features of knee OA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies for effective knee osteoarthritis management.
• To emphasize the importance of collaborative patient-provider management for chronic, progressive knee OA.
• To highlight strategies for symptom management and prevention of adverse consequences.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of nonpharmacological therapies for knee OA.
• Literature review of pharmacological therapies for knee OA.
• Synthesis of current evidence on therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Nonpharmacological approaches include patient education, exercise, weight reduction, thermal modalities, and assistive devices.
• Pharmacological options encompass various medications and neutraceuticals.
• A combination of these therapies is essential for comprehensive knee OA management.

Conclusions:

• Effective knee OA management requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating patient education, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic interventions.
• Early and consistent management can mitigate pain, disability, and disease progression.
• Ongoing research continues to refine treatment strategies for knee osteoarthritis.