ABSTRACT

Physicians in Orthopedic, Physiatry, Sports Medicine, Functional Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine and Primary Care will have a significant number of patient visits in which the patient has complaints of joint dysfunction and pain related to osteoarthritis (OA). The usual approach of prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and pain medications does not adequately address the pathophysiology and can lead to significant side effects. The pathophysiology of OA is complex and should be understood when treating the patient with OA. The clinician should develop a well thought-out treatment plan that addresses not only improvement in pain and function but that also deals with comorbid factors to have more long-term benefits. Pathophysiology, modifiable lifestyle factors, injection therapies, topical therapies modalities, nutritional and other therapies will be discussed.