Pathophysiology and Multi-Modal Management of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, characterized by the progressive degeneration of articular cartilage and the remodeling of underlying bone. In 2026, the clinical paradigm for OA has shifted toward a "Joint Preservation"
model, focusing on early intervention to stall structural decline.
Non-Pharmacological Foundations: Weight management and biomechanical stabilization are paramount. Targeted physical therapy now utilizes gait analysis to prescribe specific muscle-strengthening exercises that offload the affected joint.
Pharmacological Innovations: While traditional NSAIDs remain a staple, 2026 has seen the rise of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOADs). These injectable therapies target specific inflammatory pathways (like IL-1 or TNF) to potentially slow cartilage loss rather than just masking pain.
Regenerative Options: For patients with moderate disease, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) and advanced stem cell therapies are used to repair focal cartilage defects, delaying the need for total joint replacement.