Systemic Oral Glucocorticoids for Acute Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Treatment in the Emergency Department

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the pain relief effects of combining oral glucocorticoids (steroids) with standard pain medications compared to pain medications alone in adults who visit the emergency department with joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. This study aims to assess both the effectiveness and safety of short-term oral glucocorticoid use for this condition. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain and disability, with many patients seeking emergency care for acute flare-ups. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving placebo pills with ibuprofen, one receiving prednisone with ibuprofen, and one receiving a single dose of dexamethasone followed by placebo pills with ibuprofen. All groups may use acetaminophen as needed for additional pain relief. Treatment lasts five days, with glucocorticoids given either daily or as a single dose depending on the group. Throughout the study, participants will report their pain levels and medication use via follow-up phone calls at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Researchers will monitor safety by tracking any adverse events for up to 28 days and reviewing medical records. The main outcome measured is the change in resting pain score at three days after starting treatment, along with safety assessments. This study will help determine if adding glucocorticoids to standard pain medication improves pain control in acute osteoarthritis joint pain.

Systemic Oral Glucocorticoids for the Treatment of Acute Osteoarthritis Pain in the Emergency Department