Management of Osteoarthritis Through a Family Medicine Approach
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Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, stiffness, reduced function, and structural changes involving the entire joint, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, ligaments, the joint capsule, and periarticular muscles. Its global burden continues to increase because of population ageing, obesity, physical inactivity, previous joint injury, and repeated mechanical loading. Diagnosis is generally clinical, based on activity-related pain, morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes, bony enlargement, and limited range of motion. Imaging and laboratory investigations are reserved for atypical presentations, red flags, suspected alternative diagnoses, trauma, or planning of advanced treatment. Management should be comprehensive and individualized. Core interventions include patient education, self-management, low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercise, weight reduction in patients with overweight or obesity, activity modification, assistive devices, and rehabilitation. Pharmacological treatment may include topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, selected according to comorbidities and the risk of adverse effects. A family medicine approach strengthens continuity of care, shared decision-making, monitoring of comorbidities, prevention of falls and disability, and family participation in sustaining behavioral change. This approach can help patients maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
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