Osteoclast inhibitors for knee conditions
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions.
1. A method of treating moderate to severe knee pain comprising administering an inhibitor of osteoclast activity to a person suffering from moderate to severe knee pain, wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is zoledronic acid, minodronic acid, or neridronic acid.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the person suffering from moderate to severe knee pain has a normal joint space in the knee.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered at least twice.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered about every three months, or more frequently.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient experiences pain relief within about three months after the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered to the patient.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the patient experiences pain relief at least 24 hours after the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered to the patient.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is zoledronic acid.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is minodronic acid.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is neridronic acid.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient experiences a reduction in pain intensity—when using a 100 mm visual analog scale—of at least about 5.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered at least twice over a period of at least four weeks.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity is administered once weekly for a period of six weeks.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the inhibitor of osteoclast activity comprises zoledronic acid, and the weekly dose is between about 25 mg and about 75 mg.