The management of osteoarthritis: an overview and call to appropriate conservative treatment

Abstract

This article presents a general outline for the management of the patient with osteoarthritis in the form of a narrative review considering diagnosis, investigation, and treatment. It is not a comprehensive discussion (subsequent articles on imaging, weight management, exercise, braces and orthotics, pharmacologic intervention, and surgery provide more detail); rather, it provides the clinician with an overview of what is available. Inevitably, there is much the interested clinician can do rather than practice nihilistic waiting. The authors encourage active clinician involvement and instilling self-management strategies in patients to further promote effective long-term treatment of this pervasive disease.