Osteoarthritis: Nutrition and lifestyle intervention

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, chronic, musculoskeletal disease. It is the most common form of arthritis and its prevalence increases with age. It is also referred to as degenerative joint disease and is characterized by cartilage degeneration with reactive new bone formation at the joint margins. This degeneration and new bone formation result in pain and stiffness in the affected joints{.1} OA has traditionally been considered a passive process of joint wear and tear. However, it is now considered a metabolically active process with both anabolic and catabolic activity.1 Commonly affected joints are the hands, knees, hips, and cervical and lumbar spine, and OA is often associated with significant disability and impaired quality of life. . Risk factors include age, sex, ethnicity, genetic profile, hormonal status, bone mineral density (BMD), and nutritional factors. Obesity, joint injuries and deformities, sports participation, muscle weakness, and occupational factors are also associated with OA. There is no known cure. Management goals include reducing pain and maintaining or improving joint function. Treatment of OA is broadly divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Exercise, patient education, telephone support, and weight reduction are safe non-pharmacological approaches. Pharmacological treatment includes paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular therapy, and surgical treatment. Dietary and lifestyle interventions have received insufficient attention