Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, affects a significant number of people worldwide. This joint disease primarily affects older adults, usually over the age of 45. OA occurs when the bones and cartilage in the joints gradually deteriorate over time, often attributed to the natural 'wear and tear' on the joints. Jobs or lifestyles involving increased physical activity may increase the risk of developing OA. Inflammatory responses and factors like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol can worsen the condition.

 OA is typically noticed in the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands, leading to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for OA, so treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms.

A recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases explored the potential association between OA and allergic conditions such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The researchers discovered that individuals with allergic diseases had a higher likelihood of developing OA. The study analysed a large amount of data from insurance claims and electronic health records, including that of over a million people.

The findings showed that the risk of developing OA was 58% higher among individuals with asthma or eczema in the insurance claims dataset and 42% higher in the electronic health records dataset. This correlation suggests that allergies may contribute to the onset of OA.

These findings indicate that patients with allergic diseases may have a higher risk of developing OA. The study suggests that medications targeting the biological pathways involved in allergies could potentially benefit non-allergic patients with OA. This discovery could have significant implications for OA treatment, as current therapies focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying biological causes.