[Conservative therapy of arthritis]

Therapy of osteoarthritis requires a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities. Management should be individualized according to the constitutional features of the patient, comorbidities, disease status, treatment availability and costs. Paracetamol is the analgesic of choice. Beside NSAIDs and intra-articular steroids, SYSADOA have symptomatic effects and may modify structure. Patient education, exercises, orthopaedic devices and physical therapy are indicated as supportive therapy. Alternative therapy modalities should be discussed with the patient using the available evidence and the cost/benefit ratio.