Comprehensive Approaches to Diagnosing and Managing Osteoarthritis
This article reviews the methods for diagnosing osteoarthritis, including imaging and lab tests, and discusses current and emerging treatments focused on symptom relief and disease modification. It emphasizes the importance of professional medical consultation for osteoarthritis management.
Assessing and Managing Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly identified during routine health assessments. Doctors examine affected joints for swelling, tenderness, and movement limitations. When OA is suspected, further tests are conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
- X-ray and MRI scans are used to observe joint alterations. X-rays reveal joint space narrowing and bone spurs, while MRIs can visualize cartilage directly. MRI usage is reserved for complex cases.
- Blood tests help exclude other arthritis forms like rheumatoid arthritis.
Managing Osteoarthritis
Most OA treatments focus on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the disease. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen are typically recommended to ease discomfort. For mild to moderate pain and inflammation, NSAIDs are used but pose risks like liver and kidney issues, stomach bleeding, and heart problems with prolonged use. Severe pain may necessitate opioids, which carry risks of dependence and side effects like nausea and fatigue.
Looking ahead, new therapies aim to target the disease process itself. Calcitonin, a hormone that promotes bone strength by reducing osteoclast activity and boosting osteoblast function, is being explored, with current applications in osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Research is also investigating antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines, since inflammation drives OA progression. Blocking cytokines like TNFα and molecules associated with NF-kB may slow disease advancement. Additionally, therapies targeting blood vessel formation and growth factors in subchondral bone are under development to address advanced OA stages.
