Osteoarthritis (cont.)
Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Catherine Burt Driver, MD
Catherine Burt Driver, MDCatherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group. IN THIS ARTICLE
Osteoarthritis MedicationsInitially, simple over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen are recommended, followed by NSAIDs. Prescription NSAIDs may be needed if the over-the-counter medications are ineffective. A new generation of prescription NSAIDs are the COX-2 medicines (celecoxib [Celebrex]). The COX-2 drugs have fewer reported gastrointestinal side effects but similar results compared to the typical NSAIDs. The antidepressant duloxetine (Cymbalta) is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic musculoskeletal pain (joint and muscle pain). This medication works on neurotransmitters in the brain that control pain perception and has been shown to decrease chronic low back pain and pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Must Read Articles Related to Osteoarthritis
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsOsteoarthritis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease? Osteoarthritis - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for your osteoarthritis? |
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease worldwide, affecting over 20 million individuals in the United States alone.
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