Factors Influencing Pain Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease associated with chronic pain. Many patients treat their joint pain at a symptomatic level with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, often without the knowledge of their physicians. The aim of this study was to provide physicians with data about osteoarthritic patients’ habits of pain management and to examine the explanatory factors of various ways of self-treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 189 patients with hip or knee OA and scheduled for joint replacement surgery was carried out. Participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire consisting of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and questions about their methods of alleviating pain. Results: 2.6% of patients did not use anything to alleviate their pain, while 63% practiced a non-pharmacological method. Diclofenac was the most frequently used drug, followed by ibuprofen. Profession had the greatest impact on medication habits; patients doing manual work were significantly more likely to take OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use topical analgesics. Conclusions: Patients utilized a wide variety of pain management techniques. They seemed to use well-known painkillers, even if their side effects were less desirable. Such patients require comprehensive pain management, including educational and behavioural interventions, complemented by topical and oral medication.

Using artificial intelligence for exercise prescription in personalised health promotion: A critical evaluation of OpenAI’s GPT-4 model

“…First, the model appropriately prescribes strength-training exercises, a cornerstone of non-pharmacological management for osteoarthritis [ 47 ]. Not only does resistance training improve muscular strength, but enhances joint stability and function and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms [ 47 ].…”

“…First, the model appropriately prescribes strength-training exercises, a cornerstone of non-pharmacological management for osteoarthritis [ 47 ]. Not only does resistance training improve muscular strength, but enhances joint stability and function and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms [ 47 ]. However, the prescription lacks specificity in terms of the intended load, repetitions, and sets for each exercise, which might influence the therapeutic effectiveness.…”