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Research to lead to arthritis treatment?

Monday 10th October 2011

A research breakthrough could lead to an effective treatment for arthritis, scientists believe, potentially affecting the methods physiotherapists use to treat the condition.

The gene, known as TRPV4, could help those with a serious type of inherited osteoarthritis, which occurs when cartilage breaks down in a joint.

When this gene functions incorrectly, calcium absorption in cells is disrupted, meaning the cartilage breaks down, causing arthritis in hands and feet.

The research, published in journal Nature Genetics, looked at an extended family which has suffered from the condition for generations.

Mr Ian Begg, one of this family, told the Herald Sun: "The condition restricts your hand movements as you get older and can cause a lot of pain, so if this discovery leads to some form of treatment it would be fantastic for future generations."

This comes ahead of World Arthritis Day, which is to take place on Wednesday October 12th.

Written by Angela Newbury