Osteoarthritis Progression: Mitigation and Rehabilitation Strategies

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a substantial burden for patients with the disease. Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but many emerging therapies have been developed to aid in the mitigation of disease progression. When osteoarthritis reaches the end-stage of disease many patients undergo total joint arthroplasty to improve quality of life, yet some experience persistent pain and mobility limitations for extended periods following surgery. This review highlights recent therapeutic advancements in osteoarthritis treatment consisting of pharmacologics, nutraceuticals, biologics, and exercise while emphasizing the current state of post-arthroplasty rehabilitation.

Intra-articular injection of platelet lysate-derived extracellular vesicles recovers from knee osteoarthritis in an in vivo rat model

“…OA is a progressive disease that causes cartilage loss, bone and fibrocartilage substitution, and osteophyte presence [ 25 ]. The need for effective regenerative treatments is crucial, and the disease stage when treatments are applied is decisive in determining if the OA process can be reversed [ 33 ]. OA induction by MIA injection in rats is a standardized protocol to obtain a bona fide OA.…”

The Importance of Neutrophils in Osteoarthritis: Current Concepts and Therapeutic Perspectives

“…Several other types of arthritis with different etiologies, including autoimmune processes (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriasis), crystal deposition (gout), and infections (Lyme's arthritis, septic arthritis), have been described [1,2]. OA is a musculoskeletal disease that differs from osteoporosis in that its pathogenic process involves the degradation of articular cartilage in a diseased joint and compromises periarticular structures [3]. It is a painful chronic degenerative disease that causes limited movement, bone remodeling, and osteophyte formation, leading to the deterioration of joint function [4].…”

“…OA is distinguished by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage and commonly affects the interphalangeal joints, spine, hips, knees, and foot [7]. Neutrophils contribute to the advancement of OA through a variety of pro-inflammatory and degenerative mechanisms [3]. Despite recent advancements, a definitive treatment for OA remains challenging due to its complexity of pathophysiology [3,8,9].…”

“…Neutrophils contribute to the advancement of OA through a variety of pro-inflammatory and degenerative mechanisms [3]. Despite recent advancements, a definitive treatment for OA remains challenging due to its complexity of pathophysiology [3,8,9]. Numerous therapeutic strategies are recommended, including the following: 1. conventional drug therapy for pain relief and inflammation reduction; 2. biological surgical procedures, such as the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); and 3. rehabilitation treatments that contribute to the improvement of patients' functionality and quality of life [8][9][10][11].…”

Evidence-Based Dietary Practices to Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms: An Umbrella Review

“…Regular exercise can improve OA-related outcomes through weight loss and reduced joint loading [11], decreased systemic inflammatory biomarkers linked to deleterious cartilage effects [12], and sufficient and proper loading of articular cartilage, which is imperative for maintaining tissue health [13]. Early rehabilitation and physical therapy interventions have been shown to improve function and quality of life in patients with OA [8,14]. Research also shows that healthy dietary patterns and diet interventions mitigate OA progression [4], decrease inflammatory markers that hasten cartilage metabolism [15,16], and yield reductions in body mass [9].…”