Osteoarthritis News Roundup: Opioids, NSAIDs and More

September 19, 2019

Rheumatology Network Editorial Staff

In today's news roundup, we focus on recent advances made in osteoarthritis that touch on cardiovascular issues, bone spurs and treatment modalities.

In today's news roundup, we focus on recent advances made in osteoarthritis that touch on cardiovascular issues, bone spurs and treatment modalities.

Despite Warnings, Opioid Prescriptions Still Widespread in Osteoarthritis: Despite recommendations against using opioids and benzodiazepines to treat osteoarthritis pain, new research shows significant numbers of patients, especially older patients, are still receiving prescriptions for these medications. _{^{(©BrianYarvin, AdobeStock)}}

NSAIDs May Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use contributes substantially to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among patients with osteoarthritis, say researchers writing in Arthritis & Rheumatology last month. (©SherryYoung,AdobeStock.com)

Men, Not Women With Diabetes May Have Higher Chronic Lower Back Pain Risk. Men with diabetes may have a higher risk of experiencing chronic lower back pain, say researchers writing in BMJ Open this month. (©Angkhan,AdobeStock)

NSAIDs May Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use contributes substantially to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among patients with osteoarthritis, say researchers writing in Arthritis & Rheumatology last month. (©Fizkes,AdobeStock)

Musculoskeletal Disease May Follow a Total Knee Replacement. Roughly half of patients who undergo total knee replacement subsequently experience musculoskeletal symptoms in previously unaffected bodily areas, researchers reported in ACR Open Rheumatology. (©Virojt,AdobeStock)

Rapid Onset Knee Osteoarthritis May be Overtreated. Adults with rapid onset knee osteoarthritis that occurs and progressess within as little as four years, are more likely to receive pharmacological treatments or even surgery than those who live with the condition long-term. (©IrenaMisevicShutterstock.com)

Bone Spurs Entirely Local, Not Systemic. Bone spurs primarily occur as a result of biomechanical stress, not a systemic condition, which may explain why they are associated with foot osteoarthritis, not of the hand. (©KhomsonSatchasataporn,Shutterstock.com)