June 1, 2011

Exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, and the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and braces or heel wedges decrease pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections…

Clinical suspicion of community-acquired pneumonia is comfirmed through lung imaging, usually an infiltrate on chest radiography. Determining inpatient versus outpatient treatment is the first decision after diagnosis. Treatment is usually empiric and guided by site of…

Physicians can help family caregivers by assessing them for high levels of caregiver burden and encouraging them to take care of their own health needs. Some caregivers may benefit from referral to appropriate resources for training and support.

Early recognition of symptoms and accurate measurement of core temperature are crucial for rapid diagnosis of heat-related illnesses. Mild forms can be managed with supportive measures, such as hydration and moving the patient to a cool place. Initial treatment for heat stroke…

The peer review process used by most respected medical journals like AFP is designed to ensure the journal brings high-quality, unbiased content to readers. AFP relies on the expertise and generous contributions of many peer reviewers who help spot weaknesses in manuscripts and…

CT has substantially advanced medical care through improved diagnosis, but its use comes with potential harms, including cancer risk from radiation; detection of incidental findings that may lead to additional and often unnecessary diagnostic testing and treatment; and…

CMS Paid Out Almost $400 Million in PQRS and e-Rx Incentives in 2009 | AAFP Goes to Capitol Hill to Propose Alternative to Medicare Payment System | Office-Based Physicians Contribute $1.4 Trillion in Output to National Economy | Pediatric Group Rejects Vaccine Exemptions That…

Magnesium sulfate should be considered first-line treatment to prevent eclamptic seizures during labor.

There is limited evidence that task-focused examinations reduce sick leave and the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries; however, general pre-employment examinations have no effect on health outcomes.

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Can brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels be used to rule out heart failure?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its guidelines on the neurodiagnostic evaluation of simple febrile seizures in neurologically healthy children six to 60 months of age.

Guideline source: Institute of MedicineLiterature search described? NoEvidence rating system used? NoAvailable at: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D.aspx

Osteoarthritis is a disease that happens when the protective cartilage in the joints wears down, and the bones rub against each other. The knee is a common place to get osteoarthritis.

A caregiver is any friend or relative who provides unpaid care for someone with a chronic or disabling condition.