What's hot and what's not in osteoarthritis

The RACGP has released draft guidelines on the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis for consultation.

The recommendations, which cover lifestyle, non-drug treatments and medication, include:

Hot:

• Paracetamol and NSAIDs
• Topical analgesics
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
• Yoga (or other regular exercise)
• Weight loss
• Steroids injections
• Knee taping
• Heat packs
• CBT
• Walking cane

Not hot:

• Glucosamine/chondroitin
• Vitamin D
• Surgery (arthroscopic debridement, meniscectomy and cartilage repair).
• Opioids
• Bisphosphonates/calcitonin
• Acupuncture
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Capsaicin cream
• Ice packs
• Special footwear

Read the draft guidelines here