Musculoskeletal pharmacology

Abstract This chapter reviews pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to musculoskeletal conditions, and covers topics including analgesia, anti-inflammatory therapy, and disease-modifying treatments. It looks at non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in detail, and outlines their mechanisms, clinical uses, cautions, and side effects. Corticosteroid use is covered for systemic and local administration, and the management of acute gout and hyperuricaemia is described, including the roles of colchicine, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids. The importance of adjunctive measures such as rest, physiotherapy, and RICE principles is emphasized. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.