New York State Medical Treatment Guidelines
for Medications in workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Medications.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Medications for Knee Injury

Ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs from an earlier generation are suggested as first-line treatments for the majority of patients. For patients who are not candidates for NSAIDs, acetaminophen (or the analogue paracetamol) may be a viable alternative, even if the majority of research indicates it is just marginally less effective than NSAIDs.

There is proof that NSAIDs are less dangerous and just as effective in treating pain as opioids, such as tramadol.

  1. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Treatment of Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Knee pain

    Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Treatment of Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Knee pain are recommended for the treatment of sudden, gradual, or persistent knee discomfort.Indications: NSAIDs are advised as a treatment for knee pain that is either acute, subacute, or chronic. First, try over-the-counter (OTC) medications to see whether they work.

    Frequency/Duration: Many patients could find it reasonable to use as needed.

    Indications for Discontinuation: the symptom’s resolution, the medication’s ineffectiveness, or the emergence of side effects that require stopping.

     

  2. NSAIDs for Patients at High Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

    NSAIDs for Patients at High Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding is recommended to people at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding to take misoprostol, sucralfate, histamine Type 2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors together.Indications: Cytoprotective drugs should be taken into consideration for patients with a high-risk factor profile who also have indications for NSAIDs, especially if a prolonged course of treatment is planned. Patients who have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding in the past, the elderly, diabetics, and smokers are at risk.

    Frequency/Dose/Duration: H2 blockers, misoprostol, sucralfate, and proton pump inhibitors are advised. dosage recommendations from the manufacturer. It is generally accepted that there are no significant differences in effectiveness for preventing gastrointestinal bleeding.

    Indications for Discontinuation: Intolerance, the emergence of negative effects, or the stopping of NSAIDs.

     

  3. NSAIDs for Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Adverse Effects

    NSAIDs for Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Adverse Effects is recommended – As far as harmful cardiovascular effects go, acetaminophen or aspirin as first-line therapy seem to be the safest options. If necessary, non-selective NSAIDs are recommended to COX-2-specific medications.To reduce the chance that an NSAID will negate the protective effects of low-dose aspirin in individuals receiving it for primary or secondary cardiovascular disease prevention, the NSAID should be taken at least 30 minutes after or eight hours before the daily aspirin.

     

  4. Acetaminophen of Medications

    Acetaminophen of Medications is recommended – for the treatment of knee pain, especially in patients who have NSAID contraindications.Indications: Acute, subacute, chronic, and post-operative knee pain sufferers all.

    Dose/Frequency: As per the manufacturer’s recommendations; can be used as required. Over four gm/day, there is evidence of liver toxicity.

    Indications for Discontinuation: pain, side effects, or intolerance are gone.

    Rationale for Recommendations: Generic ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs from an earlier generation are suggested as first-line treatments for the majority of patients. One of the other generic drugs should be used as a second-line treatment.

    Although the majority of the research indicates that acetaminophen is only slightly less effective for those with arthrosis, it may still be a viable solution for these patients. There is proof that NSAIDs are just as effective as opioids (including tramadol) at relieving pain while being less dangerous.

     

  5. Topical Medications

    Topical Medications is recommended Topical creams, ointments, and lidocaine patches may be used in a few patients to relieve the pain brought on by acute, subacute, or chronic knee discomfort.Rationale for Recommendation – In some people, TOPICAL DRUGS (such as capsaicin, topical lidocaine, topical NSAIDs, and topical salicylates and nonsalicylates) may be a suitable type of treatment.

    To get the desired effect and prevent potential toxicity, a topical medication should be prescribed with precise dosage instructions and a daily use limit.

    Since the long-term effects of usage are uncertain for the majority of patients, episodic use may be preferable. Patients who prefer topical therapy to oral drugs may utilise these substances.

    Depending on the medicinal agent employed, localised cutaneous responses may happen. The possibility of hazardous blood levels from topical treatment should be taken into account by prescribers.

    Capsaicin offers a secure and efficient substitute for systemic NSAIDs, albeit local stinging or burning that usually goes away with regular use limits its use.

    To prevent accidental contact with eyes and mucous membranes, patients should be instructed to apply the cream with a plastic glove or cotton applicator to the afflicted region. The prolonged usage of capsaicin is not advised.

    Topical Lidocaine is only suggested when a diagnosis of neuropathic pain has been made in writing. In this case, a trial lasting no longer than four weeks may be taken into consideration; additional use will require proof of functional improvements.

    Topical NSAIDs (For instance, diclofenac gel) could perhaps reach tissue levels that are therapeutic. When systemic administration is often contraindicated (such as in patients with hypertension, heart failure, peptic ulcer disease, or renal insufficiency), the low amount of systemic absorption can be favorable overall by permitting the topical use of these drugs.

    Topical Salicylates or Nonsalicylates (such as methyl salicylate) do not generally seem to be more efficient than topical NSAIDs. Especially in individuals with chronic illnesses where systemic therapy is generally contraindicated, it may be administered for a brief course or as an adjuvant to systemic medication.

     

  6. Opioids

    Opioids of Medications is not recommended for acute, subacute, or chronic knee pain.Opioids of Medications is recommended for brief (no longer than seven days) usage as an adjuvant therapy to more potent treatments in the management of postoperative pain.

    Indications: A brief prescription of opioids is frequently needed for post-operative pain control, especially at night, as an addition to more effective medications (notably NSAIDs, acetaminophen).

    Frequency/Duration: As needed during the day, solely at night thereafter, and finally completely discontinued.

    Rationale for Recommendation: When NSAIDs are ineffective in relieving a patient’s pain, opioids should be used sparingly, especially at night. Opioids are advised for brief, selective usage in post-operative patients, with nighttime use as the major indication for use.

     

  7. Minor Tranquilizer / Muscle Relaxants

    Minor Tranquilizer / Muscle Relaxants is not recommended

What our office can do if you have workers compensation injuries

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.

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I am fellowship trained in joint replacement surgery, metabolic bone disorders, sports medicine and trauma. I specialize in total hip and knee replacements, and I have personally written most of the content on this page.

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