Joint problems in the elderly. How to help patients cope

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is almost always present to some degree in persons over 60 years of age. It may also occur earlier in life because of genetic predisposition, hormonal dysfunction, or previous trauma. Concomitant forms of arthritis must be differentiated from osteoarthritis and properly treated. Management of osteoarthritis starts with patient education on moderating activity and avoiding local joint stresses. Caution in use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs is essential. Local injection of corticosteroids in small amounts into particularly symptomatic joints may yield long-term or repeatable local relief. When an adequate trial of conservative measures fails to preserve or permit reasonably moderate function of a joint, surgical correction must be considered.