Pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee

Treatment goals for the management of hip and knee osteo - arthritis are to reduce pain, maintain or improve function, and, where pos- sible, to slow the progress of the underlying disease. The benefits and potential toxicities of pharmacologi- cal options should be considered and treatment should be individ - ualized according to patient symp- toms, preferences, and a therapeu- tic agent's overall safety profile. When intrusive pain or disability persists despite a substantial trial of nonsurgical therapy, or when con- trolling symptoms requires long- term opioids, high-dose acetamin - ophen or NSAIDs, and repeated intra-articular injections, referral for surgical options should be con- sidered. T reatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) aims to reduce pain, maintain or im - prove function, and, where possible, to slow the progress of the underlying disease. Although no med- ication has yet been shown to slow the advance of joint pathology in osteo - arthritis, pharmacological manage- ment remains an integral component of therapy for most patients in the course of their disease. Knowledge of the current evi- dence can support safe and effective counseling and prescribing practices, and assist in determining when to refer for surgery. As well as consid - ering the benefits and potential tox i- cities of pharmacological options, physicians must individualize treat- ment based on patient symptoms and preferences.