Der Schmerz
-
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major causes of chronic pain. Although OA has long been considered a non-inflammatory "wear and tear" disease leading to loss of articular cartilage, recent findings provide convincing evidence that inflammatory mechanisms play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of OA. In OA mononuclear cells (e. g. ⋯ NGF) trigger the expression of TRPV1 channels in primary afferents. Moreover, neuropeptides reduce the threshold of nociceptors of OA joints. The current review highlights the role of inflammatory mechanisms in OA-induced joint pain considering clinical signs of inflammation and major inflammatory pathways.
-
Chronic knee and joint pain, like all chronic pain, is a complex multidimensional event that involves somatic, psychological and social factors. Patients with knee and other joint pain experience limited mobility in their daily lives, in their professional and personal activities, and in their leisure physical exercise activities. Pain increasingly prevents them from achieving their goals. ⋯ This significant influence of psychological factors may be clinically relevant. A positive patient-staff relationship-characterized by trust, warmth and empathy-is essential in order to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy of a treatment. Every surgeon, pain physician, pain psychologist or pain physiotherapist is responsible for establishing a trusting interpersonal relationship between themselves and their patients.
-
Joint pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) is often severe and disabling and affects a large proportion of the aging population impairing daily living and quality of life. Numerous pharmacological treatment approaches are available. Including major OA guidelines this review presents the current evidence of pharmacological therapies in OA-related pain and covers topical, oral and intraarticular treatment approaches. ⋯ Evidence for interventional approaches using hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma is uncertain. Yet, the efficacy of pharmacological therapies in OA-related pain is often inconsistent and severe adverse events might occur. Thus, critical use of the different treatment options considering patient-related comorbidities and nonpharmacological therapies is of major importance.
-
Abstract
-
Comment Letter
[Ultrasonography and image-guided injection techniques of the spinal column : Imaging is still the gold standard].
Abstract