Articles tagged with Osteoarthritis
A recent Harvard University study reveals that knee osteoarthritis has dramatically increased in prevalence over the past 70 years, affecting an estimated one-third of Americans over 60. The research challenges the long-held assumption that osteoarthritis is simply a wear-and-tear disease related to aging and obesity.
Researchers found knee OA in 16% of postindustrial individuals 50+, but only 6% and 8% in early industrial and prehistoric samples. The findings suggest an approximate doubling of knee OA prevalence since the mid-20th century.
Researchers found that self-efficacy positively affects physical activity in osteoarthritis patients, even controlling for pain and mood. Boosting confidence can increase daily steps and moderate-intensity activity.
A single genetic change linked to reduced human height is also associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The variant has been positively selected in many human populations, suggesting it may have provided a survival advantage in colder climates.
A new study found that spouses' empathic responses to their partners' pain improve the partner's physical functioning over time. Patients with spouses who provided emotional support and attention showed better balance, gait speed, and ability to rise from a chair compared to those with less responsive spouses.
A systematic review of 25 studies found that recreational running is not associated with osteoarthritis, but competitive running increases the risk. Recreational runners are less likely to develop knee and hip osteoarthritis compared to sedentary individuals.
Two large US studies found a significant association between high fiber intake and reduced risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. High cereal fiber intake was also linked to lower worsening knee pain.
Researchers find pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate comparable to celecoxib in reducing pain and improving joint function; long-term treatment recommended for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Effective and safe alternatives are needed due to risks associated with NSAIDs and paracetamol.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that preoperative opioid use is associated with less pain reduction after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who used opioids before their procedure experienced about 9 percent less pain relief at six months following surgery compared to those who did not.
A large study found that hip and knee osteoarthritis is the primary cause of difficulty walking in older adults. The condition increases with more affected joints, posing a significant barrier to physical activity and independence.
A new study from the University of Liverpool has identified common 'cell messages' that can help diagnose osteoarthritis in both humans and rats. The research also found that these messages are strongly associated with diseased cartilage, suggesting a potential breakthrough in early diagnosis and personalized treatment for OA.
A study published in JAMA found that steroid injections did not improve symptoms or reduce cartilage damage in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The treatment resulted in significant cartilage volume loss, but no significant difference in knee pain compared to a placebo injection.
Researchers at the University of Surrey found that metabolic changes caused by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles can trigger genetic reprogramming in cells, leading to inflammation and cartilage damage. By controlling metabolic changes through healthy eating and exercise, it may be possible to slow or even prevent osteoarthritis.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that maintaining high levels of adenosine in rats with damaged ACLs prevents osteoarthritis. Adenosine replacement therapy could potentially delay the onset of osteoarthritis and joint replacements.
A new study links knee osteoarthritis to noisy knees in high-risk individuals. Approximately 75% of those who developed OA within a year had x-ray signs but no frequent pain.
A new study estimates that nearly half of the population will develop hand osteoarthritis, affecting hand strength and function. Individuals with obesity are at a significantly increased risk, highlighting the need for public health and clinical interventions to address this common condition.
Researchers report that selectively removing old or 'senescent' cells from joints could prevent and even reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. The treatment promotes an environment for new cartilage to grow and repair joints, reducing pain and degradation in joint health.
A study led by Mount Sinai researchers found that knee replacement surgery provides only small improvements in quality of life, especially in patients with less severe physical function. The procedure's economic attractiveness increases when offered to those with more severe symptoms.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee replacement surgery for patients with osteoarthritis has limited effects on quality of life and is economically unattractive. However, restricting the procedure to patients with more severe symptoms may improve effectiveness and make it more economically viable
A recent Henry Ford Health study suggests that age is not a factor in the success of shoulder replacement surgery. The research analyzed data from patients under 65 and those older than 75 with osteoarthritis, finding that both groups experienced significant improvement in shoulder function after surgery.
A study of 86,000 patients found that almost one-third of costs prior to total knee replacement went towards non-recommended therapies. The top three most costly treatments were hyaluronic acid injections, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy, accounting for 52.6% of expenses.
A study published in JAMA found that in-patient rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery did not improve mobility at 26 weeks post-surgery. Patients who received a monitored home-based program showed similar results as those who underwent inpatient rehab.
A new study found that nearly all recreational athletes under 55 who underwent total shoulder replacement surgery returned to at least one sport within seven months, with high satisfaction rates and high use of their shoulders.
A new review suggests that improved ACL reconstruction techniques can restore normal knee motion and slow degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis. The placement of a graft on the femur is crucial for preventing cartilage thinning, a key factor in maintaining joint health and function.
A new study found that poor thigh muscle strength increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis in women, but not men. The sex-specific relationship between muscle strength and BMI suggests distinct treatment approaches may be needed for women.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released a new guideline for treating hypertension in adults 60 years old and older. The guidelines recommend a less aggressive treatment target for otherwise healthy adults, with a focus on achieving a systolic blood pressure of less tha...
A new study found that chair yoga significantly reduced pain and improved functional ability in older adults with osteoarthritis. The 8-week program also showed long-term benefits, with reductions in pain interference lasting three months after completion.
Research reveals weather plays no part in the symptoms associated with back pain and osteoarthritis, contrary to long-held beliefs. Higher temperatures slightly increase lower back pain risk but not clinically important.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $2.5 million grant to develop an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. The therapy aims to reduce the need for joint replacement surgery, mitigating the burden on patients and physicians.
New research from the American College of Rheumatology finds that most people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) meet the minimum physical function level necessary to walk at least 6,000 steps a day. This suggests that many individuals with OA can adopt physically active lifestyles and achieve significant health benefits.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a blood test to detect early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and distinguish it from other self-resolving inflammatory joint diseases. The test identifies biomarkers in plasma proteins damaged by oxidation, nitration, and glycation, enabling early detection and treatment.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found prolotherapy to be effective in reducing pain and improving knee function among individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Most participants reported a substantial decrease in pain after receiving hypertonic dextrose injections around the affected joint.
A new study investigated ACL injury's effect on osteoarthritis development. The study found that the knee adduction moment significantly influences joint contact forces after surgery.
Research suggests that high cholesterol levels trigger mitochondrial oxidative stress on cartilage cells, causing them to die and ultimately leading to the development of osteoarthritis. Mitochondria targeting antioxidants have shown promise as a viable treatment strategy.
A multicenter randomized study of 164 patients with knee osteoarthritis found no significant reduction in pain and function impairment from chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate therapy. The results suggest that additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of this combination for treating knee osteoarthritis.
Four cloned sheep, the 'Dollies', have reached their 9th birthdays in good health, defying initial concerns about premature ageing. Long-term assessments show no detrimental effects of somatic-cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on these animals.
A randomized controlled trial found that changes in pain and physical function did not differ between patients wearing unloading shoes or conventional walking shoes. The study suggests that choosing one type of shoe over the other may not significantly impact symptoms for knee osteoarthritis sufferers.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has developed a computational model that can predict the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis in overweight people. The model analyzes the degradation of the collagen fibril network in articular cartilage and simulates the effect of various loadings on cartilage cells.
Physicians can ask patients about firearms, counsel them on gun safety, and disclose information to third parties as needed. Current federal and state statutes do not prohibit discussing firearms with patients, but many physicians lack training and knowledge to provide effective counseling.
A new study found that the risk of a second major osteoporotic fracture increases by 4% for each year of age and is 41% higher in women than men. The risk of subsequent fractures decreases over time, but remains elevated throughout follow-up.
Dr. Elias Hanna Saba, Chief Executive Director of the Palestinian Osteoporosis Prevention Society, was awarded the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Committee of National Societies Medal for his over 26 years of experience in bone and muscle health and patient education. The medal recognizes his dedication to expanding IOF's mess...
Research shows that patients with total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis have a low risk of hip and vertebral fractures before and after surgery. However, the risk increases by 19% for vertebral fracture and 4% for hip fracture in the years following surgery.
Professor René Rizzoli, a leading Swiss investigator, has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Medal for his groundbreaking work in basic bone science. The medal recognizes his contributions to understanding bone and mineral metabolism, with over 800 publications to his name.
A new computational modelling method developed by the University of Eastern Finland uses MRI data to assess the patient-specific progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. The study found significant degeneration in overweight individuals, with healthy cartilage thickness remaining unchanged over a four-year period.
A large-scale analysis of pain-relief medication for osteoarthritis found that paracetamol does not meet the minimum standard of clinical effectiveness in reducing pain or improving physical function. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was found to be more effective for short-term pain relief.
A study of 413 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis found that vitamin D supplementation did not slow cartilage loss or reduce knee pain over 2 years. Vitamin D levels increased, but no significant benefits were seen.
Researchers found that damage to cartilage's collagen network and increased fluid flow are early indicators of osteoarthritis. The study suggests that understanding these structural changes could lead to earlier detection and better treatment of the disease.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that knee buckling is a significant cause of falls and injuries in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Targeted exercises and joint replacement surgery may help prevent knee instability and reduce the risk of falls.
Researchers analyzed three portraits of Michelangelo between the ages of 60 and 65, showing non-inflammatory degenerative changes in his hands. The continuous and intense work may have helped him maintain hand function for as long as possible, despite the onset of osteoarthritis.
A new study supports bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients with end-stage osteoarthritis prior to total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. The evaluation predicts improved quality-of-life and cost-effectiveness for these patients, making it a viable treatment strategy.
Researchers found that patients with two copies of a different allele showed more pain variability and more pain at the end of the day after physical activity. This study suggests tailored behavioral programs could be used sensitive to a person's genotype to increase physical activity and manage arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Southampton found that bone marrow lesions on MRI scans can predict more rapid progression of osteoarthritis. Individuals with BMLs had a loss rate of 0.10mm per year faster than those without, potentially leading to earlier need for joint replacement.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received medical attention shortly after exhibiting warning signs had a significantly higher chance of survival compared to those who ignored their symptoms. Researchers collected data from survivors, family members, and medical r...
Researchers found that hip x-rays are unreliable for diagnosing hip osteoarthritis in most cases, potentially delaying treatment and missing affected individuals. The study suggests that patients with suspected hip OA should be treated regardless of x-ray confirmation.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that both prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole shoes alleviate big toe joint pain, with orthoses potentially being the better option due to reduced discomfort and impaired balance. Additionally, these interventions also affect peak pressure under other toes and midfoot.
A new MRI study reveals that substantial weight loss can protect against knee cartilage degeneration and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who lost more than 10% of their body weight showed slower cartilage degeneration compared to those who did not lose weight.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that lubricin helps anchor HA at the tissue surface, improving its effectiveness. A new derivative of HA, HYADD4, has been approved for clinical use and is expected to be marketed as Hymovis.
Researchers have developed an injectable drug that inhibits the Wnt pathway, causing endogenous stem cells to regenerate knee cartilage in animals. Clinical data suggest slowing joint space narrowing and increased joint space, indicating potential preservation or regrowth of cartilage.
Samumed's Phase II clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SM04690 in treating moderately to severely symptomatic OA patients. The trial will assess changes in WOMAC pain and function subscores at Week 13.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found that lithium chloride can increase the size of primary cilia, disrupting Hedgehog Signalling and potentially treating osteoarthritis. This discovery may lead to new treatments for arthritis and other conditions.