Advances in Nonoperative Management of Osteoarthritis in Athletes

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in both the United States and worldwide. In comparison to nonexposed controls, athletes, including tactical athletes such as military members and first responders, have higher rates of osteoarthritis. Management of osteoarthritis in the athletic population is largely similar to management of osteoarthritis in the general population, with a strong emphasis on conservative management. The focus of this article is to provide an evidence-based overview of the conservative management of osteoarthritis in athletic individuals to include exercise, biomechanical interventions, pharmaceutical modalities, as well as emerging nonpharmaceutical modalities such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, radiofrequency ablation, Tai Chi, and acupuncture.