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Treatment of chronic pain in osteoarthritis: Do opioids have a clinical role?

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Abstract

Pain is the most prominent symptom and clinical finding in osteoarthritis (OA). Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy are the mainstays of OA analgesia, but other drug and non-drug therapy, joint injections, and surgery may be needed to provide reasonable quality of life. Regularly scheduled, low-dose opioids can produce good relief of chronic nonmalignant pain including pain caused by OA. This paper reviews the potential risks and benefits of opioids, the evidence supporting their use in OA pain, and guidelines for their use in OA pain.

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  1. College of Pharmacy and University Hospitals and Clinics Pain Management Center, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 South 2000 East, RM 258, 84112-5820, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Arthur G. Lipman PharmD

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Lipman, A.G. Treatment of chronic pain in osteoarthritis: Do opioids have a clinical role?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 3, 513–519 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-001-0066-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-001-0066-6

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