Research Initiated to Find Why Knee Osteoarthritis Afflicts More Women Than Men

It is reported that a group of scientists has been awarded a grant of 127,000 dollars to lead a pilot project to determine why knee osteoarthritis afflicts more women than men.

Osteoarthritis, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint resulting in stiffness and pain, is the most common form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis - Causes, Symptoms, DIagnosis, Treatment, FAQs
Osteoarthritis is one of the commonest joint disorder and occurs as we age due to wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body.

The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) and its Interdisciplinary Studies in Sex-Differences (ISIS) Network on Musculoskeletal Health awarded the grant to the U.S.-Canadian scientists to understand whether biological differences between men and women affect the incidence and severity of knee osteoarthritis.

Mary I. O'Connor, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, will be the study's principal investigator.

"Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and women have greater pain and reductions in function and quality of life from this condition than do men," said Dr. O'Connor.

"Knee osteoarthritis is also more common in women than men.

"Our study will be the first to explore if there are true biological differences which result in women having this increased disease burden," she stated.

Diet, Nutrition and Supplements for Osteo-Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should consume a diet rich in natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients and avoid foods like sugar, saturated fats, and trans fatty acids.

Phyllis Greenberger, the society's president and CEO said:"Knee osteoarthritis is a devastating disease and one that may impact women differently than men. SWHR is pleased to have found deserving scientists to take on this research."

"This research can benefit the multitudes of women suffering from the constant pain and inflammation of knee osteoarthritis," he added.

Source-ANI