Non-Pharmacological Approaches to OA Pain Management in Conjunction with NSAIDs

Abstract

It is a progressive, degenerative joint disease that includes an inflammatory component and results in the destruction of cartilage .Since there are no disease-modifying treatments, current guidelines concentrate on managing symptoms. The aim of this study was the combined effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with physical therapy in treatment for knee osteoarthritis. We studied 46 KOA patients from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Romania that have recieved for at least two months combined treatment with Diclofenac (150 mg/day maximum 10 days/month as needed) together with an ambulant physical therapy program over a period covering all year . The results revealed statistically significant reductions in WOMAC pain score and VAS (p = 0.0142 to 0023) with corresponding greater improvements in KOS-ADL & OKS function scores ( p=0128 ±.0023). Higher VAS with cholesterol level was positively correlated (p=0.0092), but not significantly associated by t-test for triglyceride levels (CHOL: r = 1, p Patients were followed-up for 24 weeks after the intervention to determine if any of them needed surgery. In summary, the results of this research demonstrated that combined NSAID and physical therapy treatment could be a viable individualized approach in reducing pain, improving joint function among patients with KOA.