Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
Knee alignment may be different during walking than when at rest. Prior studies have identified varus thrust, a worsening of bow-leg alignment that occurs only during the weight bearing phase of walking, as a risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Valgus thrust, or knock-knee alignment during walking, may also increase the risk of knee [...]
Vitamin D plays an important role in both bone and cartilage homeostasis; however, it is unclear what role vitamin D deficiency and sufficiency play in human osteoarthritis progression. Here, Ding et al (Arthritis Rheum 2009; 60(5): 1381) explore the associations of serum vitamin D and self-reported sunlight exposure with longitudinal changes in knee cartilage volume [...]
Tai Chi, a popular form of exercise involving stylized and controlled movements, has been advocated as a way to manage pain, maximize function, and improve quality of life for a variety of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, the evaluation of its efficacy in these conditions has been limited by the [...]
Inflammatory cytokines, in particular IL-1, are elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, their contribution to OA symptoms and damage are unclear. A small study (n=13) in which the IL-1 inhibitor anakinra was injected into the knee of OA patients suggested a possible benefit on pain and function. Here, Chevalier [...]
The efficacy of glucosamine and/or chondroitins in knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been controversial. A recent large, randomized, multicenter trial (the GAIT trial) found no symptomatic or structure-modifying benefit of glucosamine or chondroitin, alone or in combination. However, prior studies conducted in Europe using different formulations have suggested the possibility of structure modification with chondroitin sulfate [...]
