Non-Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Osteoarthritis in Guidelines: Discrepancies and Translating Evidence in Practices

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to a syndrome of joint pain accompanied by functional limitation and reduced quality of life. The treatment of OA syndrome is dominated by pharmacological treatments, including analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve symptoms but fail to modify disease progression. However, according to the most popular guidelines for good management of OA, the optimal treatment requires a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. The chapter gives a critical analysis of the most popular recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of knee, hip and hand OA. This chapter provides useful guidance and support for health care professionals making treatment decisions. It also describes the barriers to implement OA guidelines in clinical practice.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, recommendations, knee, hip.

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