Noninterventional Therapies for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

J Knee Surg. 2019 Jan;32(1):46-54. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676107. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Abstract

The goal of the practitioner managing a patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is to minimize pain and optimize their function. Several noninterventional (noninjectable) therapies are available for these individuals, each having varying levels of efficacy. An individualized approach to the patient is most beneficial in individuals with knee OA and the treatment plan the practitioner chooses should be based on this principle. The focus of this article is to provide an up-to-date overview of the treatment strategies available, evidence to support them, and in whom these treatments would be most appropriate. These include exercise (aerobic and resistance), weight loss, bracing and orthotics, topical and oral analgesic medications, therapeutic modalities, and oral supplements.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Braces
  • Chondroitin Sulfates / therapeutic use
  • Curcuma
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Foot Orthoses
  • Glucosamine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / therapy*
  • Overweight / therapy
  • Resistance Training
  • Ultrasonic Therapy
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Chondroitin Sulfates
  • Glucosamine