What are the recommended first-line treatments for managing osteoarthritis in primary care?

Offer individualized management plans based on severity, affected joints, physical function, and comorbidities ¹.

Advise on self-care strategies, including weight management, appropriate footwear, and sources of information and support ¹.

Recommend therapeutic exercise, including local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness, with consideration of supervised sessions ¹, ³.

Advise that joint pain may increase initially when starting therapeutic exercise, but regular exercise will be beneficial long-term ¹, ³.

Use simple analgesia, such as over-the-counter topical NSAIDs like ibuprofen 5% gel applied up to three times daily for knee OA, or consider topical NSAIDs for other joints ¹.

If topical NSAIDs are ineffective or unsuitable, consider oral NSAIDs, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, with caution regarding contraindications and risks ¹, ³.