Question

A 67-year-old woman with long-standing osteoarthritis of the knees reports worsening pain limiting her ability to walk more than one block. She is overweight (BMI 33 kg/m²). X-rays show degenerative changes. She currently uses paracetamol intermittently. What is the most appropriate first-line non-surgical management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Structured exercise and weight loss program, with simple analgesia as required

Answer

Long-term oral opioids

Answer

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections every 4 weeks

Answer

Immediate referral for total knee replacement

Answer

Long-term high-dose oral NSAIDs without gastroprotection

Practice question