What's hot and what's not in osteoarthritis
10 things you can do and 10 things you shouldn't
8th December 2017
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