Leading factors for progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. Effects of symptomatic slow release preparations on the course of the disease (5-year prospective study)
Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is targeted both at the symptoms of the disease (reducing pain, inflammation, improving the functional state), and at slowing of the progression and improving the quality of life of patients. Symptomatic effects are achieved by a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments provided by numerous recommendations. Currently, there is sufficient evidence that symptomatic slow release preparations have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and structure-modifying effects.