Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of pain and disability. Frequently described as ’wear and tear’ its symptoms vary from minimal to severe pain and stiffness and its prevalence increases steadily with age.
OA is responsible for considerable morbidity and is a common reason for medical consultation. It is also difficult to treat, and the varied treatment options need to be carefully matched to the person’s needs and lifestyle. The guideline contains a number of recommendations which are not currently routine practice for many clinicians, such as early consideration of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for knee and hand arthritis.
People living with OA and those involved in their care also need to be fully aware of the possibilities for self-management, and the options for thorough assessment of the condition and the optimal sequencing of therapies.
The guideline is an invaluable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals who can contribute to the better care and management of Osteoarthritis in adults.
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