Conventional Medical Approaches to OA
1. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
1.NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Mechanism:
They inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins—key mediators of inflammation and pain.
They inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins—key mediators of inflammation and pain.
Benefits:
- Temporary pain relief
- Reduced inflammation in the joint
- Improved mobility in short-term use
Risks/Limitations:
- Do not stop disease progression
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney damage with long-term use
- Cardiovascular risk (especially with COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib)
- Masking pain may lead to overuse of joint and further damage