Osteoarthritis in older patients. Optimum treatment.

A number of therapeutic options to control pain, maintain function and decrease disability are available for older patients with osteoarthritis. The indication for pharmacological therapy should be restricted to periods with pain. Great attention should be given to nonpharmacological interventions such as education, exercise, lifestyle modification and emotional support. If medication is necessary, most patients require only pure analgesics such as paracetamol (acetaminophen); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used if patients do not respond to simpler measures. All medication should be carefully monitored considering the frequency of adverse drug reactions in older patients.