Osteoarthritis
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a Chronic Inflammatory Disease, the most common joint disorder in adults and a leading cause of pain and disability. Traditionally viewed as a “wear-and-tear” disease, new research shows that OA is actually a chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition affecting the entire joint — including cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues.
Inflammation in OA doesn’t always cause visible redness or swelling. Instead, it creates subtle but persistent immune activity that breaks down joint structures over time.
The Role of Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
Inflammation develops when mechanical stress, injury, or aging triggers the release of inflammatory molecules—called cytokines and chemokines—within the joint. These substances signal immune cells and enzymes that degrade cartilage, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.
- Key inflammatory markers: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α, IL-6
- Main result: Progressive cartilage loss, bone remodeling, and pain sensitization
- Chronic nature: Once inflammation becomes sustained, the body’s repair process cannot keep up, leading to long-term degeneration.
Recent studies confirm that osteoarthritis shares several biological mechanisms with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (Berenbaum et al., 2021).
Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
- Persistent joint pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling and tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- A grinding or creaking sensation in the joint (crepitus)
These symptoms arise from ongoing inflammation and tissue damage within the joint capsule and surrounding bone.
Why Osteoarthritis Is Now Considered an Inflammatory Disease
Historically, OA was thought to be a purely degenerative condition caused by aging or overuse. Today, evidence shows inflammation plays a central role in its onset and progression:
- Low-grade inflammation persists throughout the joint environment.
- Immune cell activity accelerates cartilage degradation.
- Systemic inflammation from obesity, metabolic disease, or aging worsens OA outcomes.
- Anti-inflammatory therapies may slow disease progression in some patients.
Research continues to highlight inflammation as a key target for managing osteoarthritis (Cameron et al., 2023).
The Inflammatory-Degenerative Cycle
Chronic inflammation sets off a self-sustaining cycle:
- Inflammatory cytokines damage cartilage.
- Cartilage debris activates immune cells.
- Activated immune cells release more cytokines.
- The joint remains inflamed, stiff, and painful.
Breaking this cycle is essential for reducing pain and restoring mobility.
Regenerative and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies
Modern regenerative treatments target inflammation at its source, helping the body repair damaged tissue while calming immune overactivity.
1. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
MSCs release bioactive molecules that suppress inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration. Studies report significant improvements in pain and function among OA patients receiving MSC therapy (Tian et al., 2024).
2. Exosomes (MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles)
Exosomes are tiny vesicles that deliver anti-inflammatory and healing signals to joint tissues. Research suggests they may reduce inflammation and protect cartilage from further damage (Lan et al., 2025).
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Reviews confirm PRP can improve pain and joint function in many OA patients (Xiong et al., 2023).
Lifestyle and Prevention
While regenerative treatments are promising, daily habits are essential for controlling inflammation and protecting joints:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga.
- Manage stress, which can increase inflammatory hormones.
The Takeaway
Osteoarthritis is not simply a disease of aging—it’s a chronic inflammatory process that erodes joint tissue over time. By addressing inflammation early with medical, regenerative, and lifestyle strategies, patients can reduce pain, slow progression, and maintain mobility for years to come.
References
- Berenbaum F et al. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2021.
- Cameron M et al. Frontiers in Immunology, 2023.
- Tian X et al. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2024.
- Lan S et al. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, 2025.
- Xiong Y et al. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2023.
Take Control of Your Joint Health
At McBride Wellness Center, we combine advanced regenerative treatments with personalized care to help patients manage chronic inflammation and restore joint function.