What is Arthrosis and Why Does It Occur?
Arthrosis, or osteoarthritis, is one of the most common chronic joint diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. This degenerative condition is characterized by the gradual destruction of articular cartilage—the smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones and ensures their smooth gliding against each other. As the cartilage thins and deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited joint mobility.
The causes of arthrosis development are diverse and often include a combination of factors:
- Age: The risk of developing arthrosis increases significantly with age.
- Joint injuries: Previous damage, such as fractures or ligament tears, can accelerate the development of arthrosis.
- Excess weight: Extra pounds increase the load on weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine), contributing to cartilage wear.
- Genetic predisposition: Heredity may play a role in the development of the disease.
- Occupational loads: Repetitive movements or prolonged stay in certain postures can contribute to the development of arthrosis.
- Inflammation: Although arthrosis is primarily a degenerative disease, low-grade inflammatory processes can contribute to its progression.
Traditional treatment of arthrosis aims to relieve symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve the patient's quality of life. It includes drug therapy, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. However, scientific research continues to seek new, more effective approaches, studying both arthrosis itself and related conditions that can provide valuable lessons for understanding the mechanisms of joint diseases.
The Role of Bone Health in Joint Support
Joints are complex structures consisting not only of cartilage, but also of bones, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid. The health of bone tissue plays a fundamental role in ensuring the stability and proper functioning of joints. Diseases affecting bones, such as osteoporosis, can indirectly affect the overall condition of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and more susceptible to fractures due to a decrease in their mineral density. Various therapeutic approaches are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, including the inhibition of sclerostin (SOST)—a protein that suppresses bone tissue formation. Pharmacological inhibition of sclerostin is clinically used to treat osteoporosis, contributing to an increase in bone mass [2].
Although sclerostin inhibition is not directly a treatment for arthrosis, maintaining optimal bone density and strength, as in osteoporosis, may play a role in the overall structural integrity of joints and their mechanical stability. Healthy bones provide a solid foundation for joint structures, which can potentially affect load distribution and joint stability. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between bone density, sclerostin inhibition, and arthrosis progression [2].
Immunomodulation and Inflammation: Lessons from Rheumatoid Arthritis
While arthrosis is primarily a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage wear, inflammatory processes can be present and contribute to its progression. Understanding the mechanisms of inflammation studied in the context of other joint diseases can provide new ideas for the treatment of arthrosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are autoimmune diseases in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, causing chronic inflammation and damage to joints and other organs. Standard treatments for these conditions often target late-stage inflammation, but can have severe side effects [3].
In recent years, new approaches to immunomodulation have been actively researched. For example, artemisinins—compounds known for their antimalarial properties—demonstrate potential immunomodulatory effects. A review of research shows that artemisinins can modulate various immune pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α/NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, and p62/Nrf2. They are also able to balance Th17/Treg cells and M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suppress the activity of B cells, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and osteoclasts, which affects the progression of RA and SLE [3].
Although these drugs are studied for autoimmune diseases and are not a direct treatment for arthrosis, understanding their mechanisms of action and ability to modulate inflammatory responses can provide new directions for research in the field of arthrosis-related inflammation control. Studying such immunomodulatory strategies can help develop new methods aimed at reducing the inflammatory component of arthrosis, which will potentially slow down its progression and alleviate symptoms.
A Comprehensive Approach to Joint Health: What is Important to Know
Effective management of arthrosis and maintenance of joint health requires a comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods:
- Physical activity: Regular moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve their mobility, and reduce pain.
- Weight control: Reducing excess weight significantly decreases the load on joints, especially the knees and hips, slowing down the progression of arthrosis.
- Physical therapy: Special exercises, massage, heat and cold treatments can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and topical agents can be used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Intra-articular injections: Injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids can temporarily relieve symptoms.
- Surgical treatment: In advanced cases when conservative methods are ineffective, surgical intervention such as arthroscopy or joint replacement may be required.
- Patient education: Understanding one's condition and active participation in the treatment process are key to successful arthrosis management.
The Future of Arthrosis Treatment: Research Directions
The scientific community continues to actively research new paths for more effective treatment of arthrosis. This includes not only direct research on cartilage degeneration, but also the study of related areas such as bone metabolism and immune responses that can affect joint health.
Developments in the field of sclerostin inhibition for the treatment of osteoporosis and immunomodulatory agents such as artemisinins for autoimmune joint diseases demonstrate how a deep understanding of biological mechanisms can lead to the emergence of new therapeutic strategies. Although these approaches are not yet standard treatment for arthrosis, they open doors for further research into their potential role in the comprehensive management of joint diseases.
The future of arthrosis treatment is likely to include personalized approaches based on individual patient characteristics, as well as the development of new drugs capable of not only relieving symptoms but also restoring damaged cartilage and modulating inflammatory processes. Ongoing cooperation between scientists and clinicians is the key to achieving these goals and improving the lives of people suffering from arthrosis.
Sources
- Proxied therapeutic inhibition on sclerostin and atrial fibrillation risk. (Communications medicine, 2026)
- Artemisinins in autoimmune diseases: effects and mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. (British journal of pharmacology, 2025)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult a qualified medical specialist for an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment plan.