Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness of the joints. Over the years, many medicines have been developed which offer pain relief to patients and help them stay mobile and independent. By understanding the disease process, there is the promise of even better medicines to come.
Disease: Osteoarthritis
Last update: July 2009
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition involving inflammation of the joints. This can gradually destroy the normal cartilage in the joint. It causes pain and stiffness and results in the joint not working properly.
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Who gets it?
Osteoarthritis affects both men and women. By the age of 65, 80 per cent of people have X-ray evidence of OA, though only 25 per cent have symptoms. Across Europe, osteoarthritis inhibits the lives of millions.
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What can be done about it?
Over the years, the pharmaceutical industry has developed many medicines for relieving the pain and inflammation of OA. These include analgesics and medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A couple of years ago, a new class of highly selective medicines became available which reduce side-effects importandly.
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What does the future hold?
Scientists are working to create other highly selective drugs which promise to be more effective and/or have fewer side-effects. From compounds that can modify the progress of the disease and prevent the breakdown of the cartilage, it is expected that the results of this research will help keep people mobile and independent in their later years.