Osteoarthritis and novelties in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Abstract:

Osteoarthritis is a disease of frequent incidence and prevalence in the adult population. Symptoms of osteoarthritis lead to morphological and functional damage to the skeleton and very often to chronic pain syndrome and impaired quality of life of patients. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but a number of non-pharmacological and pharmacological symptomatic measures are applied in the treatment process. Due to numerous unmet needs and the impact of the disease on the quality of life of an individual, new methods of treating osteoarthritis have recently been investigated. By better understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, attempts are being made to find the key molecules and signaling pathways responsible for the disease, with the purpose of producing drugs that would alter the course of osteoarthritis. New molecules that could lead to the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms in the future are also investigated. The current therapeutic possibilities are presented, which are in line with the current recommendations of the leading osteoarthritis societies. Certainly the emphasis should remain on traditional and conventional treatments, i.e. on changes of lifestyle and habits, on weight reduction, analgesia, and on targeted physical therapy at regular intervals.

Key words:
novelty; osteoarthritis; recommendations; treatment