Osteoarthritis guidelines: a progressive role for topical NSAIDs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a potentially debilitating disorder that can place serious limitations on patient functionality and overall quality of life. Traditionally considered a disease of the elderly, more recent perceptions of OA reveal a broad spectrum of age and disease severity among patients. Because there are no curative or disease-modifying therapies for patients with OA at present, current approaches to management strive to relieve pain and increase functionality while minimizing the potential for adverse effects. Osteopathic physicians are particularly well positioned to achieve these goals, in light of their focus on manipulative treatment and their emphasis on total patient care.