About Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
In knee OA, the joint surface begins to break down. This joint surface is normally covered with cartilage, the firm material at the bone ends that acts as a cushion against shocks. As the cartilage of an OA sufferer's joint wears away, the bone ends may begin to rub against each other, causing pain.
Importance of Reducing Excess Joint Stress
OA may begin or progress if excess force or weight is placed on the knee joint.1,2 Several conditions can lead to excess stress or weight on the joint, including anatomy, injury, or obesity. When too much stress is placed on a joint, the progression of joint disease can lead to painful knee OA.3,4,5,6,7
While drugs and certain cartilage repair procedures may temporarily relieve pain, they often do not treat the underlying problems that led to OA. Conversely, research suggests that if the excess stress on the joint is removed, pain may decrease and the natural joint tissues may demonstrate some recovery.8
1. Radin EL. Who gets osteoarthritis and why? An update. J Rheumatol 2005; 32:1136-8.
2. Block JA, Shakoor N. The biomechanics of osteoarthritis: implications for therapy. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2009; 11: 15-22.
3. Radin EL, et al. Role of mechanical factors in pathogenesis of primary osteoarthritis. Lancet 1972; 1:519-22.
4. Radin EL, et al. Response of joints to impact loading. J Biomech 1973; 6:51-7.
5. Radin EL, Rose RM. Role of subchondral bone in the initiation and progression of cartilage damage. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1986:34-40.
6. Burr DB, Radin EL. Microfractures and microcracks in subchondral bone: are they relevant to osteoarthritis? Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2003; 29: 675-85.
7. Lindsey CT, et al. Magnetic resonance evaluation of the interrelationship between articular cartilage and trabecular bone of the osteoarthritic knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2004; 12: 86-96.
8. Radin EL, Burr DB. Hypothesis: joints can heal. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1984; 13:293-302.