Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition of the joints. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) shares the types of medication used to treat knee osteoarthritis.
Medication to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA knee)
Diclofenac
Purpose: Relieve pain and reduce swelling or inflammation
Common side effects: Stomach pain/heartburn, upset stomach or nausea, signs of bleeding like throwing up blood or vomitus that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; vaginal bleeding that is not normal; unexplained bruising or bruising that gets bigger; or any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding (rare, but potentially dangerous)
Glucosamine
Purpose: Help lessen osteoarthritic pain and keep cartilage healthy
Common side effects: Stomach gas (bloating gas), nausea
Naproxen
Purpose: Relieve pain and reduce swelling or inflammation
Common side effects: Stomach pain/heartburn, upset stomach or nausea, signs of bleeding like throwing up blood or vomitus that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; vaginal bleeding that is not normal; unexplained bruising or bruising that gets bigger; or any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding (rare, but potentially dangerous)
Paracetamol
Purpose: Relieve pain
Common side effects: Skin rash, hypersensitivity reaction (rare)
Because #healthiswealth #healthforgood
Ref: L20
Other osteoarthritis articles you may be interested in:
Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know
Osteoarthritis Prevention: What You Can Do
