OSTEOARTHRITIS IN OLDER PATIENTS - OPTIMUM TREATMENT

A number of therapeutic options to control pain, maintain function and decrease disability are available for older patients with osteoarthri tis. The indication for pharmacological therapy should be restricted t o periods with pain. Great attention should be given to nonpharmacolog ical interventions such as education, exercise, lifestyle modification and emotional support. If medication is necessary, most patients requ ire only pure analgesics such as paracetamol (acetaminophen); nonstero idal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used if patients do no t respond to simpler measures. All medication should be carefully moni tored considering the frequency of adverse drug reactions in older pat ients.