Better arthritis treatment underway

Better arthritis treatment could be on the cards with the Footscray researchers showing muscle inflammation outside the joints is as much to blame for discomfort and poor mobility in sufferers as inflammation of the joint itself.

One of the lead researchers, Dr Itamar Levinger, told DPS News muscle inflammation was the body’s natural reaction to injury or infection but led to muscle wastage when prolonged.

“For those with knee arthritis this muscle wastage can result in less capacity to perform daily activities.

“We have shown there is an increase in muscle inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It was the first time researchers identified the effect of knee osteoarthritis was not just related to the knee joint, but it also has an effect on the muscle,” he claimed.

According to Dr Levinger, it appeared the reduction in muscle strength and muscle function could be related to factors including a misuse of the leg and pain, and the increase in inflammatory markers possibility having a degenerative effect on the muscle.

“That, in turn, may affect the capacity of patients with knee osteoarthritis to perform activities of daily living and reduce their quality of life.”

Dr Levinger added limited effective treatment was available, stating the increase in understanding the effects of knee osteoarthritis on muscle abnormalities, including muscle metabolism and muscle function, may lead to more targeted interventions to improve arthritis management.

“In order to find treatments, we must pinpoint the problem. Given that personal mobility is an essential factor for healthy independent living of those who suffer from this chronic degenerative condition, research into the preservation of muscle mass is essential for developing successful therapy to restore and maintain effective limb use,” he said.

The finding may indicate treatment to reduce pain or treatment that increases muscle mass, muscle strength and improves muscle function that may lead to a reduction in the symptoms associated with arthritis.

According to Dr Levinger, the next steps include further exploration of the “inflammatory profile” of muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to develop a more “specific intervention” to reduce inflammation and improve muscle mass and strength.

For more information about the study, email Dr Itamar Levinger.