The evidence for non-pharmacological therapy of hand and hip OA

Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2009 Sep;5(9):517-9. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2009.158.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. Evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for the treatment of OA consider non-pharmacological modalities as the cornerstone of modern OA management. Nonetheless, research evidence from clinical trials on non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of hand and hip OA is scarce and considerably less than that for knee OA. In addition, research on non-pharmacological interventions for OA appears highly on the list of patients' research priorities. Thus, there is a clear mismatch between the available research evidence for non-pharmacological interventions for hip and hand OA and both the treatment guidelines and the interests of patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Hand Joints* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Restraint, Physical*
  • Splints