topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in osteoarthritis
Last reviewed 10/2021
With respect to topical NSAIDs in osteoarthritis:
- NICE suggest that (1):
- healthcare professionals should consider offering topical NSAIDs for
pain relief for people with knee or hand osteoarthritis
- topical NSAIDs and/or paracetamol should be considered ahead of oral NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors or opioids
- a systematic review has also supported the NICE guidance to recommend topical NSAIDs as first line therapy for knee and hand osteoarthritis (2)
- healthcare professionals should consider offering topical NSAIDs for
pain relief for people with knee or hand osteoarthritis
Reference:
- (1) NICE (February 2014).Osteoarthritis The care and management of osteoarthritis in adults
- (2) Derry S, Moore RA, Rabbie R. Topical NSAIDs for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 9: CD007400.