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Hypodynamia is a major cause of osteoarthritis
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Scientists advise: to prevent the development of articular arthrosis, it is necessary to eat well and regularly give your joints moderate physical activity.
Slowing down of metabolic processes, which is typical for a sedentary lifestyle, gives impetus to genetic changes in cartilage cells, and, as a result, to the destruction of cartilage. If a person can control metabolic processes in arthrosis, then he will be able to slow down or even stop the further development of a dangerous disease. This conclusion was made by scientists from the English University of Surrey. They published their work in the journal Nature Reviews Rheumatology.
It is worth noting that arthrosis is a pressing problem for English scientists. In Great Britain, almost nine million patients with various arthrosis and osteoarthritis are registered - mainly women over 40 years of age.
For normal cartilage function, high-quality metabolism is very important. If certain unfavorable conditions are created in the body, then the cartilage tissue goes into "emergency" mode of operation - that is, its function is radically disrupted.
This process may be accompanied by the accumulation of inflammation mediators and metabolic products in cartilage tissues. Over time, catabolic reactions become more active and stimulate the onset of destructive processes in cartilage.
Over the past decade, many studies have been conducted on this issue. Scientists from different parts of the world have repeatedly proven that disrupted metabolic processes are the trigger for the development and worsening of arthrosis.
Hypodynamia, or a sedentary lifestyle, is the scourge of our time. Sooner or later, it leads to a disruption of the ability of cartilage cells to take energy from carbohydrates. Thus, chondrocytes have to look for other sources for energy recharge. As a result, an excess of unprocessed glucose increases, which turns into lactic acid. This is only one of the processes that lead to the destruction of cartilage. According to scientists, there are many such mechanisms.
"For many years, doctors considered arthrosis to be a disease associated with the "wear and tear" of cartilage and joints. Such a pathology was considered common among older people, especially the elderly. However, our research has shown that this is far from true: we have underestimated the impact of nutrition and physical activity on metabolic processes. But these factors directly affect the condition of every structure in the body. They can serve as a preventative measure, or lead to serious illnesses," says Ali Mobasheri, a doctor of musculoskeletal physiology from the University of Surrey.
Experts claim that their next experiments will be aimed at finding effective methods that will allow a person to control and prevent painful changes in metabolic processes. It is quite possible that this will become the newest approach to the prevention and treatment of arthrosis and osteoarthritis.
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