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What intervention does the American College of Rheumatology stress as first-line therapy for osteoarthritis? |
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Exercise, weight loss, and rest are recommended by the American College of Rheumatology in their guidelines for the initial management of osteoarthritis (OA). Given the adverse effects of medications used to treat OA, it is best to minimize dosages and delay their use as long as possible. An extensive diagnostic workup is not recommended unless there is a questionable presentation. Patients who have severe degenerative joint disease (DJD), joint fusion, or whose pain severity is not relieved by more conservative therapies may be candidates for joint replacement.
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