Association of Beta‐Blocker Use With Less Prevalent Joint Pain and Lower Opioid Requirement in People With Osteoarthritis

Objective Recent findings suggest that β‐adrenergic blockers have antinociceptive properties. The aim of this study was to compare levels of large‐joint pain between those taking adrenergic blockers and those taking other antihypertensive medications. Methods Data from the Genetics of Osteoarthritis and Lifestyle (GOAL) study, a secondary‐care cohort of osteoarthritis (OA) patients, were used. Joint pain was assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores in 873 individuals with symptomatic hip and/or knee OA and hypertension, who were taking ≥1 prescription antihypertensive medications. The association between adrenergic blocker prescription and at least moderate joint pain (WOMAC score