This large cohort study with 111,718 patients revealed that the use of Beta blockers helped to decrease the knee OA, and knee or hip pain consultations. The use of Atenolol and Propranolol can be used in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and; knee and hip pain with particular comorbidities.

To study the analgesic potential and possible link between prescription of Beta blockers and primary-care consultation in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and; knee and hip pain.

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink was explored for patients aged ≥40 years with recent Beta blockers prescriptions taken orally whose propensity score (PS) matched to control. The Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were acclimatised for fractures, total primary-care consultations for injury associated with knee or hip and; out-patient transfers and hospitalizations in last 1 year of the cohort entry. 

As per the PS matching, a total of 111 718 patients exposed to Beta blockers were matched to controls. Beta blockers prescription was linked with decreased collective risk of knee OA (0.90 adjusted HR (95%CI)), knee pain (0.88 aHR, 95%CI), and hip pain consultations (0.85 aHR, 95%CI).

A reduced occurence of knee OA and knee pain consultations were prevalent in patients on propranolol and atenolol. Also, the Beta blockers were associated with reduced consultation for large-joint lower-limb OA/pain mentioned as a combined effect.

The use of specific Beta blockers can be used for musculoskeletal pain relief. Propranolol may be appropriate therapeutic options for people with co-morbid anxiety. Atenolol can be used in patients with co-morbidities- OA and cardiovascular in which beta-adrenergic blocking agents are suggested.