Treating Osteoarthritis Pain

A new transdermal analgesic patch for use in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain is now being evaluated nationwide in a clinical research study. The goal of this clinical research study is to evaluate the medications safety and effectiveness for treating pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. According to the Arthritis Foundation, OA affects nearly 20 million Americans and is especially an issue as the percentage of older Americans increases. For many with OA, commonly-prescribed medications such as NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen or naproxen) are not effective against treating the pain. Severe pain requires stronger medications. Research is needed to explore other medications and treatments. The study is targeting volunteers ages 40 and older who have been diagnosed with OA of the hip or knee for at least one year and who are currently taking prescription pain medications for OA. Volunteers who qualify will receive study-related medical exams, lab tests, and study medication at no charge. The study requires at least 10 visits over a period of up to 16 weeks. After that time, study participants will have the option of participating in an open-label extension study for an ad-ditional six months. Potential study volunteers should visit www.clinicaltrials.com for additional information.

Annapolis, MD April 1, 2004 - According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. As Americans get older, the risk of OA increases. With the population aged 65 and older projected to double over the next three decades (from 35.3 million to nearly 70 million), OA and other forms of arthritis will be important health concerns.
Arthritis also has personal impacts for those who have it and their families. Pain and stiffness of joints affected by os-teoarthritis can limit daily activities as common as walking and dressing. Advanced and/or untreated OA can also lead to serious disability.

OA results from the wearing-away of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a smooth tissue of varying hardness that coats the ends of bones in joints. In healthy joints, cartilage is smooth and allows bones to glide gently over one another. In OA, the cartilage has broken down and bones rub more roughly against each other resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The cause of OA is not clear, but there are certain contributing factors, the most important being age. Although OA can develop at any age, the chance of it occurring in middle and older years is much greater than earlier years. Other risk fac-tors include obesity, muscle strength, injury to joints, overuse/stress on joints and limbs, and family history of OA.

OA is specific to the joints and does not affect other organs, as other forms of arthritis may. Any joint can be affected, but the most common are the fingers, neck, lower back/spine, knees, and hips. Affected joints first become stiff and uncom-fortable, and normally progress with increasing pain and decreasing mobility.

Knees are among the joints most commonly affected with OA and OA pain. Knees are the primary weight-bearing joints of the body, and are subject to a greater amount of stress than other joints. Those with OA of the knee may have difficulty walking, climbing, and getting out of chairs and bathtubs.

Hips are also often affected by OA. Pain due to OA of the hip can be felt throughout the pelvic region. Walking aids, such as canes and walkers, can help reduce stress on the hip. OA of the hip limits moving and bending, making everyday activities such as dressing and putting on shoes difficult.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Current treatment is aimed at reducing pain, reducing inflammation, repairing damage, and preventing further damage. OA can be treated with a variety of medications, exercise, and surgery when necessary.

General physical wellness and fitness can help reduce pain and prevent further damage. Rest, especially to take weight off affected joints and prevent repeated stress, can often help keep symptoms in check. Exercise can help strengthen muscles around the joints, thereby improving the ability of the joint and surrounding muscle to absorb stress. Fitness activities that increase range of motion and flexibility also help cope with the limitations of OA. Yoga and Pilates, with emphasis on spine strength and flexibility, can help many. Exercise in water, such as the Arthritis Foundations Aquatic Program, can provide safe and low-impact environments for improving joint mobility and overall fitness.

Medications are used primarily to decrease the pain of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is the most com-monly recommended medication for mild to moderate OA pain. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are helpful in reducing both pain and swelling. Like Tylenol, many NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter and via prescription for higher doses. Cox-2 Inhibitors, a sub-group of the NSAID family including Vi-oxx and Celebrex, are new medications also prescribed for pain due to OA and other conditions. Opioid medications, such as codeine or oxycodone, are also used, especially for more severe pain.

In serious OA cases, surgery can help. Surgery can be used to replace joints, remove worn pieces of cartilage or bone floating in the joint fluid, remove bone spurs, resurface or smooth bones, and reposition joints. 80% of surgery for OA is knee or hip replacement. Replacements now last 10-15 years and those recovering properly from joint replacement sur-gery experience greater range of movement in the joint and less pain.

Other treatments include: corticosteroid injections; injections of hyaluronic acid, a normal component of joints; topical pain relievers (creams, rubs, and sprays); hot or cold compresses; splits and braces; and walking aids such as canes and walkers; and acupuncture.

Not all treatments work for all people, so new treatments are continually sought. New medications are tested in research studies called clinical trials for their safety and effectiveness before being available for prescription. Participating in these clinical research trials provides opportunities for patients to participate in the development of new treatments for their condition.

A nationwide clinical research study for an osteoarthritis pain medication is currently being conducted. The medication being studied is delivered via a transdermal patch. The goal of this study is to evaluate the medications safety and effec-tiveness for treating pain due to OA of the hip or knee.

The study is targeting volunteers aged 40 and older who have been diagnosed with OA of the hip or knee for at least one year and who are currently taking pain medications for OA.. Volunteers who qualify will receive study-related medical exams, lab tests, and study medication at no charge. The study requires at least 10 visits over a period of up to 14 weeks. After that time, study participants will have the option of participating in an open-label extension study for an additional 6 months. Potential study volunteers should call the study site closest to them for additional information.

Patients in 54 cities nationwide can volunteer for this clinical trial and be referred to a participating physician in their area. Potential study volunteers should visit www.clinicaltrials.com for additional information.