Osteoarthritis Research - What's Being Done?

Osteoarthritis is often thought of as a consequence of aging. While that is true, there is more to osteoarthritis than just aging. Because of the inevitability of aging and because osteoarthritis is simply referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, many people are left believing that it is what it is and not much can be done. That's a myth. Another myth is that researchers are not interested in osteoarthritis. In reality, researchers are studying several aspects of osteoarthritis. Here's a sampling of what they are working on.

Early Detection of Osteoarthritis

Researchers are working on a new test for early detection and diagnosis of osteoarthritis. According to a report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases April 13, 2010, researchers identified 14 ratios of metabolites associated with knee osteoarthritis and were able to confirm two of the 14 ratios in the replication phase of their study. The two ratios -- valine to histidine and xleucine to histidine -- were the ones successfully confirmed. What's the significance? The lead author of the study explained that the two metabolic biomarkers found through this study could indicate increased cartilage breakdown -- and researchers now are anxious to study these mechanisms further. Learn more.

Genetic Predisposition to Osteoarthritis

Genetics and osteoarthritis is an area of great interest. While there are large studies being conducted in the United Kingdom and in the United States (according to ABCNEWS.com 2008), there are no definitive conclusions yet. See where things stood in Arthritis Research and Therapy September 2004 and Current Opinion in Rheumatology March 2010.

Growing Cartilage to Replace Damaged Cartilage

Northwestern University researchers have designed a bioactive nanomaterial that promotes the growth of new cartilage without the use of expensive growth factors. Minimally invasive, the therapy activates the bone marrow stem cells and produces natural cartilage. No conventional therapy can do this. Read more from Northwestern Newscenter February 2010.

New Treatment Approaches

A wide array of treatment approaches exists for osteoarthritis -- starting with the traditional medication approach to manage pain to the last resort surgical approach for dealing with damaged joints. But there is a lot in between. Aside from oral medications and development of of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs, there are topical pain relievers, injections, mechanical approaches such as bracing and taping, and behavioral approaches that include self-management and lifestyle modifications. And don't forget alternative approaches that include acupuncture and dietary supplements. Learn more in Osteoarthritis Treatments and Osteoarthritis: New Insights.

CAM (Complementary and Alternative Therapies)

Some patients are drawn to natural approaches to treating osteoarthritis. Supplements, for some, have more appeal than pharmacologic treatments. There are also patients who theoretically prefer alternatives treatments, but they don't actively pursue that route because they feel unsure about what works and what's a waste of time and money. It's a changing playing field too -- in the late 1990s, glucosamine was touted as a cure for osteoarthritis. But glucosamine is now regarded as "don't bother". Acupuncture, also viewed once as a viable treatment option, is no longer considered beneficial. Learn more in Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis.

Vitamin Deficiency and Osteoarthritis

Vitamin deficiency is definitely an area of interest for researchers but the results are offering more confusion than conclusion. Take for example the news in 2007, "Low vitamin D levels may cause greater knee pain and difficulty walking in patients who have osteoarthritis of the knee. According to research presented at the 2007 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, studies have shown that vitamin D impacts both musculoskeletal and neuromuscular function." Just three years later, the story is changing, "Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D may reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis. But, according to a report presented at the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, supplementation with vitamin D does not seem to lessen symptoms or slow progression of knee osteoarthritis." This debate isn't over yet.

Patient Education and Self-Management Programs

Not every approach to managing osteoarthritis comes in a pill, cream, or surgery. Not every decision should come from your doctor. You are the one with the disease and researchers have learned that self-management programs can help you cope and help you help yourself. Self-management programs can enhance your current treatment plan. Studies have shown that some benefit can be derived from self-management programs for arthritis -- even short programs lasting as little as two weeks have shown positive results. Learn more in Self-Management Programs for Osteoarthritis.

Improving Mobility and Managing Pain Through Exercise and Weight Loss

Regular exercise, weight control, proper nutrition, and a healthy diet, are all part of a comprehensive treatment plan for osteoarthritis. Patients should always discuss diet, weight loss, and osteoarthritis exercise plans with their doctor. These are essential aspects for successful management of osteoarthritis. Read more about Osteoarthritis Exercise and Osteoarthritis Diet.

_Source:

_{What Is Osteoarthritis? NIAMS. November 2010.
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.asp}