Non-pharmacological treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability, and its prevalence and burden on healthcare systems are expected to increase substantially in the next several decades. While pain medications are a mainstay of OA treatment, there is ample evidence that non-pharmacological therapies improve outcomes and they are therefore recommended as key components of care in guidelines from several professional organisations. This article presents information on non-pharmacological strategies that have shown some evidence for improving pain, function and/or biomechanical outcomes in patients with knee or hip OA. These therapies are largely underutilised and greater incorporation into clinical practice is important for optimal management of OA. © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2012.
