ABSTRACT
Topical preparations now used for treatment of arthritis in the medical practice include hyaluronic acid, steroid, and nonsteroidal anti-in–ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for topical use.
Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid is used for compensation for de—ciency of hyaluronic acid, which acts as a cushion or lubricant in joints, so that joint pain may be relieved. Intra-articular injection of a steroid is sometimes used for suppression of severe in–ammation in joints. However, intra-articular injection of a steroid sometimes causes adverse reactions such as steroid arthropathy. Intra-articular injections are associated with infection risks, and therefore they should be used very cautiously. In addition, they are undesirable in convenience because self-administration is impossible.
