Recent Advancements in the Management of Osteoarthritis: An Updated Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term progressive degenerative joint disorder that affects a substantial portion of the global population. It is primarily marked by the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage, which results in pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. While the exact mechanisms underlying OA development remain incompletely defined, growing evidence highlights the contribution of chronic low-grade inflammation, metabolic imbalances, and mechanical stress in its progression. The objective of this review is to assess recent therapies for the management of OA. Conventional management approaches for OA, including medications, physiotherapy, and surgical procedures, primarily focus on symptom control and improving patient quality of life. However, these strategies often provide only temporary relief and may be associated with limitations such as side effects, high costs, or limited long-term effectiveness. As a result, there is increasing interest in identifying alternative and more effective therapeutic approaches. Recent advances in research have led to the exploration of innovative treatment modalities, including regenerative medicine techniques, gene therapy, nanoparticles, and nanotherapeutic therapies. These approaches aim to address the underlying causes of OA rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This review provides an overview of recent treatments and a foundation for future studies and supports the development of more effective strategies for osteoarthritis.