Be active to prevent osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease that results from a reduction in the cartilage, thereby leading to an increase in friction between the bones.
Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material covering the ends of the bones in the large joints, like the knee joint. It reduces friction in the joint and also acts as a ‘shock absorber.’
When cartilage is damaged, it causes pain and makes the knee’s movement difficult. Severe cartilage damage leads to unbearable pain eventually requiring knee replacement surgery.
The cartilage tissue is about 80% synovial fluid. This fluid supports weight and lubricates joint surfaces. Loss of synovial fluid causes decrease in cartilage thickness, bone degradation, increased friction and joint pain.
The synovial fluid is squeezed out of the cartilage over time because it is porous. In fact, it is constantly leaking out into joint space. It is however unclear how a knee joint does not become deflated in spite of long time spent sitting and standing day after day.
David Burris, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Delaware, and colleagues believe that motion can cause cartilage to reabsorb liquid that leaks out. This is how osteoarthritis could be prevented.
This research in understanding the mechanism is by engineers and would need follow-up research by doctors to be able to convincingly advice that to prevent osteoarthritis just be active.
Meanwhile, with the current understanding, being active could perhaps help prevent osteoarthritis in addition to its value in improving overall health.
Written by: Dr. Ajay Sati.
