World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

COMPARISION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY VERSUS GLUCOCORTICOID INJECTION FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE KNEE

Prathap A.,* Kaushika S., Angelin Grace T., Gokula Priya P., Prithiga M., Revathi D.

ABSTRACT

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects 12.4 million individuals over 65, with a higher prevalence in women. Primary OA,
characterized by gradual cartilage loss, and secondary OA, often associated with conditions like rheumatoid
arthritis or post-traumatic causes, present distinct challenges. Physical therapy, a recommended nonpharmacological
treatment, aims to minimize pain, enhance joint function, and improve mobility cost-effectively.
Various organizations endorse exercise, weight loss, and education as first-line therapies. Exercise, particularly
aerobic and quadriceps-specific activities, proves beneficial for knee OA, aligning with global recommendations.
Glucocorticoid injections, demonstrating efficacy in reducing pain, offer an alternative but raise concerns about
cartilage toxicity. A randomized trial comparing physical therapy to glucocorticoid injections emphasizes the need
for personalized treatment strategies. While physical therapy focuses on long-term benefits, intramuscular
glucocorticoid injections provide rapid relief, suggesting a potential role for combined approaches based on
individual needs. Individualized care remains paramount in the management of knee OA.

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