TY - JOUR T1 - Managing Joint Pain in Primary Care JF - The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice JO - J Am Board Fam Med SP - S32 LP - S42 DO - 10.3122/jabfm.17.suppl_1.S32 VL - 17 IS - suppl 1 AU - Trish Palmer AU - James D. Toombs Y1 - 2004/11/01 UR - http://www.jabfm.org/content/17/suppl_1/S32.abstract N2 - Joint pain is a common problem seen by family physicians. Although many pain complaints arise from self-limited conditions, a substantial number require immediate and ongoing care. Prompt appropriate treatment can help limit symptoms, prevent disability, and improve outcomes. The differential diagnosis is varied, with both laboratory studies and diagnostic imaging available to help evaluate the joint. At the initial evaluation and at each subsequent re-evaluation, there should be efforts to identify dangerous conditions and distinguish conditions with a disease-specific pathogenesis. Treatment of joint pain consists of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities. Pharmacologic therapies may include medications specific for pain, inflammation, and adjuncts specific to the diagnosis. Treatment of pain should proceed in a step-wise fashion providing medications appropriate for treating the level of pain. Inflammation is treated with physical modalities and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors. Nonpharmacologic therapies may include protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and simple office procedures. Physical therapy and education can assist in the recovery process, and prevent recurrence. ER -