What happens to the subchondral bone in osteoarthritis?
In osteoarthritis, the subchondral bone becomes thicker than usual. Evidence has suggested that the thickening happens before the articular cartilage starts to wear away—an indication that subchondral bone plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis.
Can early osteoarthritis be cured?
There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but the condition does not necessarily get any worse over time. There are a number of treatments to help relieve the symptoms. The main treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis include: lifestyle measures – such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
How do you treat early osteoarthritis?
The Arthritis Foundation says exercise is “the most effective nondrug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in osteoarthritis.” The best types of exercises for OA use slight resistance, improve flexibility, offer an aerobic element, and are low impact. Options include: bike riding.
What is early osteoarthritis?
Symptoms that can appear at the early stages of knee OA are: pain, especially on bending and straightening the knee and with weight bearing. swelling, caused by a buildup of fluid in the joint, or by bony growths called osteophytes that form as the cartilage breaks down.
Is subchondral sclerosis osteoarthritis?
Subchondral sclerosis is a thickening of bone that happens in joints affected by osteoarthritis. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or have early symptoms of osteoarthritis, your doctor may mention subchondral sclerosis as one sign of the disease.
Is osteoarthritis an autoimmune disorder?
Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease, and although the exact causes are not known, multiple risk factors have been identified. In a healthy joint, cartilage provides cushioning and a smooth joint surface for motion.
What causes early osteoarthritis?
Depending on the population, the etiology may differ; injuries, occupational activities, and obesity appear to be the most common causes of OA in young and athletic populations. Diagnosing OA in athletes and young individuals is sometimes challenging because of their increased pain tolerance.
Does osteoarthritis go away?
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it doesn’t necessarily get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve. A number of treatments are also available to reduce the symptoms. Mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with simple measures including: regular exercise.
Why does bone thicken in osteoarthritis?
In osteoarthritis, the normally smooth cartilage surface softens and becomes pitted and frayed. As the cartilage breaks down, the joint may lose its normal shape. The bone ends thicken and form bony growths or spurs where the ligaments and capsule attach to the bone.
What is subchondral bone attrition in osteoarthritis?
Subchondral bone attrition is the flattening or depression of the articular surface. It is seen in early knee osteoarthritis and its presence predicts whether cartilage loss will develop and also whether the knee compartment will have a malalignment. Subchondral bone marrow edema-like lesions and subchondral bone attrition are often seen together.
What is subchondral sclerosis in arthritis?
Subchondral Sclerosis: This is increased bone density or thickening in the subchondral layer, seen on X-ray for osteoarthritis. It is one of the radiographic hallmarks of the condition.
What is subsubchondral bone?
Subchondral bone is the layer of bone just below the cartilage in a joint. the -chondral refers to cartilage, while the prefix sub means below.
What causes inflammation in subchondral bone tissue?
Researchers have also discovered that subchondral bone tissue produces several similar cytokines and growth factors (proteins) that can cause inflammation and changes in cartilage tissue. 2 What exactly is going on and which chemicals might be the most responsible requires further research.