Rethinking arthritis: exploring its types and emerging management strategies

Abstract

Arthritis is a complex group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the joints and poses a significant burden on global health. The most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These types affect millions of individuals worldwide, leading to impaired mobility and reduced quality of life. This review delves into the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and progression of these primary arthritis types while shedding light on over 39 lesser-prevalent variants. Traditional management strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, have shown limited success in halting disease progression and mitigating long-term damage. Consequently, arthritis research has shifted towards emerging therapeutic strategies such as nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, diet modifications, stem cell, and gene therapy approaches. Telemedicine and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing arthritis care by enabling personalized treatment regimes, improving diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing patient outcomes. This paper underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to arthritis management, emphasizing micromanagement at the cellular and molecular levels to address the heterogeneity of the disease. Understanding the nuances of different arthritis types and leveraging innovative therapeutic technologies will be paramount in improving patient prognosis and minimizing the societal burden of this debilitating condition.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Inflammation; Joint diseases; Osteoarthritis; Psoriatic arthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis.