Peripheral articular mechanisms in pain production in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common disabling joint disease frequently resulting in considerable pain and discomfort. Although some progress has been made in terms of medical therapies designed to reduce osteoarthritic pain, the limitations of these therapies emphasise the need to explore alternative approaches to osteoarthritic pain management. This report summarises the major mechanisms of pain production in osteoarthritis and discusses the potential use of those exercises commonly used by physical therapists for relieving the pain associated with this disease. It is concluded that, in view of our limited understanding of the mechanisms of osteoarthritic pain production and the paucity of studies demonstrating the efficacy of exercise for reducing osteoarthritic pain, further basic and clinical research in this area is warranted.