Conservative treatment of rheumatic disorders in the elderly.

Rheumatic syndromes are the most common cause of limited activity and disability in elderly patients. Those over age 65 are particularly susceptible to adverse reactions to antirheumatic therapy, especially to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A therapeutic approach that emphasizes safety by fully utilizing nondrug therapy, employing conservative prescribing techniques, and monitoring high-risk patients for adverse reactions is the focus of this article.