Maximizing Success In Osteoarthritis Care: Benefits Of A Comprehensive Management Approach

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive condition that causes significant disability and impairment. In 2005, arthritis affected nearly 60% of Americans aged 65 years and older. The American College of Rheumatology, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American Pain Society have published guidelines on management of mild to moderate OA. These organizations advocate use of a comprehensive management program, which includes nonpharmacologic modalities (eg, education, use of assistive devices) as the cornerstone of therapy and pharmacologic intervention, such as over-the-counter or prescription analgesia, in patients needing pain relief. The purpose of this article is to outline a comprehensive management program for patients with an established diagnosis of mild to moderate OA of the hip or knee, which can be initiated by primary care providers and then collaboratively maintained by the patient and healthcare practitioners. Strategies to improve patient compliance with the program are described so that maximum benefit can be derived from the comprehensive approach. Financial Support: Funding for editorial assistance was provided by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Financial Disclosure: The author reports stock ownership in Merck & Co., as well as consultancy with McNeil Consumer