Nonsurgical approaches to pain management for osteoarthritis of the knee

The effective management of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee is complex and subject to many treatment- and patient-related variables. This article reviews the broad range of nonsurgical options available to the clinician, which include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures such as weight loss, physical and occupational therapy, exercises, and the use of assistive devices. Pharmacotherapeutic options for osteoarthritis of the knee include the use of oral agents, topical creams, and intra-articular injections of hyaluronans or glucocorticoids. Since pain in the osteoarthritic knee can vary widely from patient to patient in its origins, pain management should address the individual patient's symptoms, level of pain, and functional disabilities.