Management of OA

Question 1

What are the nonpharm interventions that should be done first when treating OA?

Answer 1

PT, weight loss, joint replacements in advanced stages

Question 2

What drugs besides acetaminophen and NSAIDs, are now used that are even able to slow & reverse pathological changes in patients with OA?

Answer 2

disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs)

Question 3

What are the 3 types of disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs)?

Answer 3

Viscosupplementation, Glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate

Question 4

How does Viscosupplementation work to fight against OA?

Answer 4

Uses a substance known as hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) that is injected into the joint to restore the lubricating properties of synovial fluid in arthritic joints & improves function

Question 5

How quickly and how long are the effects from viscosupplementation last?

Answer 5

pain decreases within days & its beneficial for 6 months- 1 year are a series of injections (can be given 3-5 weekly)

Question 6

How does Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate work to fight against OA?

Answer 6

Dietary supplements may help protect articular cartilage or reverse the joint deterioration found in OA