Patellofemoral Arthritis Medication

Updated: Jun 27, 2022
  • Author: Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS; Chief Editor: Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Nonoperative measures for patellofemoral arthritis are primarily aimed at relieving pain and swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control inflammation.

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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Class Summary

NSAIDs are useful in controlling inflammation. These agents are also useful in inflammatory arthritis. Some examples of commonly used NSAIDs include naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac.

Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)

Naproxen is used for relief of mild to moderate pain. It inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing cyclooxygenase activity, which decreases prostaglandin synthesis.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen is commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderately severe pain, if no contraindications exist. It inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing activity of cyclooxygenase, which decreases prostaglandin synthesis.

Diclofenac (Voltaren-XR, Cataflam, Zipsor)

Diclofenac is one of a series of phenylacetic acids that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in pharmacological studies. It is believed to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is essential in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

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