Age and lifestyle can help determine the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Cases of osteoarthritis are rising around the world.
Lack of exercise, unhealthy eating habits, and hectic lifestyles sometimes prevent people from maintaining a healthy weight. Extra weight can exert more pressure on the joints, especially of the legs, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Fortunately, there have been advancements in the medical field that have led to advanced treatments for osteoarthritis. The newest treatments are more effective in relieving pain and improving mobility.
Latest And Advanced Treatments For Osteoarthritis
1. Hyaluronate or Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic Acid Injections are a viscosupplementation treatment that works by restoring synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a slippery substance secreted in the synovium that encapsulates the joint. This encapsulated fluid acts as a shock absorber between your bones and prevents friction between the ends of the bones. [1]
Hyaluronate is a major component of synovial fluid. For more than 2 decades, researchers have been trying to use hyaluronate for improving lubrication in the joints to restore mobility and reduce pain. [2]
Several research studies have been conducted to assess the benefits of injecting hyaluronate into the joint tissues. [3]
These injections, typically in the knee, help patients move more freely without the pain caused by bones rubbing against each other.
2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Research studies are going on to assess the efficacy of using Mesenchymal Stem Cells or MSCs in the management of osteoarthritis. [4]
Mesenchymal Stem Cells are cells that are produced naturally in your bone marrow. These cells can grow into new tissue such as cartilage. [5]
Treatment with Mesenchymal Stem Cells involves injecting these cells into the affected joint. It is believed that the local administration of MSCs helps in the formation of new cells and strengthens the cartilage around the joints. This can reduce inflammation and slow down the progress of osteoarthritis.
3. Bone Marrow Aspirate
Treatment with Bone Marrow Aspirate works similarly to the treatment with MSCs. During this therapy, a physician takes a sample of cells from your body that can be used to stimulate the healing processes in the joints. [6]
The use of bone marrow aspirate is considered superior to MSCs as bone marrow cells are easier to obtain. Also, the bone marrow contains several other substances that can promote the re-growth of the cartilage.
Bone marrow aspirate may also help to reduce inflammation in the joints and slow down the progress of osteoarthritis. [7]
Treatment with bone marrow aspirate is expected to improve the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis by improving joint mobility and reducing pain and swelling caused due to inflammation.
However, further research is needed to evaluate the safety of these advanced treatments for osteoarthritis before this therapy can be used in clinical practice.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma injections also called PRP treatment are aimed at supporting joint health by improving the supply of platelets directly into the affected tissues. During this treatment, a doctor will take a sample of your blood and process it through a centrifuge to spin it.
This spinning results in the separation of the platelets and plasma in your blood. The concentrated plasma is rich in healing nutrients. [8]
This will be injected back into your joint. The administration of this super-concentrated mixture directly into the affected tissues can promote faster healing of the damaged joints. This is expected to bring about significant clinical improvement in the symptoms of osteoarthritis. [9]
5. Botox Injections
Botox injections include botulinum toxin derived from a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This toxin can act on the nerves and impair its functions.
Injecting Botox into the affected tissues can ease muscle stiffness and spasms by reducing the ability of the nerves to carry impulses. [10]
Though BOTOX treatment could be considered safe for treating many conditions its efficiency and safety for treating joint diseases need to be assessed carefully. [11]
6. Autologous Cultured Chondrocytes
Autologous Cultured Chondrocyte therapy is aimed at repairing injured bones and joints.
In some patients, inflammation in the joints responsible for osteoarthritis is the result of an injury. The lack of efficient healing processes can result in considerable damage.
Treatment with Autologous Cultured Chondrocytes involves collecting cells forming cartilage from the joints of the patient. The cells are then grown in a laboratory and later injected into the injured joint. [12] [13]
This advanced treatments for osteoarthritis is particularly beneficial for patients who have severe joint damage due to injuries.
7. Water-Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation
This is an experimental out-patient procedure that may be used to treat pain and swelling in the joints caused due to osteoarthritis. It is believed to work by disabling the nerves that are responsible for causing pain and other symptoms.
Conclusion
There are promising treatments for osteoarthritis on the horizon.
These advanced treatments for osteoarthritis are expected to be more effective in controlling the symptoms and progress of osteoarthritis. It is very important to remember that the best way to manage this condition is to prevent it.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising regularly will help you prevent weight gain. This can inhibit the development of osteoarthritis and allow you to stay fit and healthy.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29299652/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29496227/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814393/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15314501/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361779/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029538/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29857166/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220006/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423591/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3034142/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30782000/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19651824/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912428/
