Osteoartritis

Recent research on osteoarthritis has focused on:

• Immune system: People with osteoarthritis have increased activation of the complement system, a major part of the immune system. Researchers are using animal models to explore whether blocking this system might help treat osteoarthritis.
• Biomarkers: Data from osteoarthritis patients will help understand how certain risk factors are linked to development and worsening of knee osteoarthritis.
• Diagnosis: Scientists are exploring ways to detect cartilage changes that could eventually enable doctors to diagnose osteoarthritis long before traditional x rays would show damage.
• Medications: Researchers are looking for drugs that would prevent, slow down, or reverse joint damage.
• Complementary and alternative therapies: The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), found that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provided pain relief in some patients.
• Healing joint injuries and cartilage damage: Researchers are exploring ways to heal the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), in order to avoid surgery. Other scientists are looking for ways to patch damaged cartilage.
• Genetics: Scientists have identified a gene defect in an inherited type of osteoarthritis. This gene defect affects an important part of cartilage, making it more likely that the cartilage will break or tear more easily under stress.
• Patient education and self-management: Researchers are investigating a variety of self-management approaches in people with osteoarthritis, including coping skills training, exercise training, patient education, and social support. These strategies have shown some success in managing pain and improving function.
• Exercise and weight reduction: Studies have shown that losing extra weight can help people who already have osteoarthritis. Moreover, overweight or obese people who do not have osteoarthritis may reduce their risk of developing the disease by losing weight.