Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 2: Osteoarthritis (OA), once considered a simple ‘wear-and-tear’ disease, is now understood to be a complex condition, especially among women. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 60% of the 528 million people suffering from OA globally are women, with 73% aged over 55. The knee is the most commonly affected joint, followed by the hip and hand.
Dr Sharmila Tulpule, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Orthobiologix Biotech Pvt Ltd, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle that hormonal changes during menopause, particularly estrogen decline, accelerate cartilage degradation, increasing OA risk. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help, it must be used cautiously due to potential side effects.
Obesity further heightens OA risk, particularly in weight-bearing joints, as excess weight increases joint stress and inflammation. Dr Tulpule noted that even modest weight loss can significantly ease symptoms and improve mobility. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles contribute to muscle weakness and joint stiffness, while regular moderate activity strengthens supporting muscles and relieves pain.
The disease also deeply impacts mental health. Many women suffer from depression and anxiety due to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Dr Tulpule emphasised that emotional well-being must be integrated into OA treatment for effective results.
Highlighting the limitations of conventional approaches, she said regenerative therapies are emerging as promising alternatives. These include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and gold-induced cytokine therapy. PRP uses the patient's own blood to stimulate healing, while gold-induced cytokine therapy enhances anti-inflammatory properties through blood incubation with gold particles. These treatments aim to reduce pain and improve function, particularly in knee OA, without invasive surgery.
Dr Tulpule stressed that OA in women is not just a physical issue but is interlinked with hormonal health, lifestyle, body weight, mental wellness, and occupational factors. She called for early detection around menopause, preventive strategies involving diet and exercise, and personalised care plans that include mental health support.
She concluded that by adopting a proactive and holistic approach, clinicians can slow the progression of OA and help women preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life well into old age.