Clinical QuickieMusculoskeletal
Osteoarthritis
Treat function and risk — not just the x-ray.
OA is a clinical diagnosis first
Activity-related pain, brief morning stiffness, crepitus, and reduced range of motion fit OA; inflammatory or systemic features should trigger a different differential.
Nonpharmacologic care is real treatment
Strengthening, exercise, PT, weight management when relevant, braces, and activity modification can meaningfully improve function.
Topical and oral therapies carry different risks
Topical NSAIDs can reduce systemic exposure. Oral NSAIDs require GI, renal, cardiovascular, BP, and anticoagulation review.
Know when conservative care has failed
Persistent disabling pain, major deformity, or severe functional loss despite optimized therapy should prompt procedural/orthopedic discussion.
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