Mechanisms of Osteoarthritis (OA) Pain

It is now widely recognised that OA is a disease of the whole joint. Data from large observational studies which have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggest that pain in OA is associated with a number of structural factors including the presence of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and also synovitis. There is evidence also of alterations in nerve processing and that both peripheral and central nerve sensitisation may contribute to pain in OA. Identification of the causes of pain in an individual patient may be of benefit in helping to better target with appropriate therapy to help reduce their symptoms and improve function.