Semaglutide relieves pain in knee osteoarthritis
A recent study on semaglutide published in the journal New England Journal of MedicineAndshows amazing progress in treating knee osteoarthritis, especially in obese people. This drug, known for its success in weight loss, has shown significant effects on reducing joint pain and improving mobility in patients with this diseasewhich affects millions of people around the world. The study is the first of its kind to show that an anti-obesity drug can also help treat arthritis.which opens up new therapeutic options for such a debilitating condition as osteoarthritis.
Joint pain
The clinical study, conducted in 11 countries, involved 400 participants with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Researchers who were randomly assigned to receive weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo, along with advice on diet and exercise, saw noticeable improvements in patients taking the drug.
This relief was so noticeable that some patients were no longer eligible to continue in the study.
After 68 weeks, the results were stunning: Participants receiving semaglutide not only achieved significant weight loss, but also reduced joint pain by an average of 42 points on a 100-point pain scale.compared with 28 points for those taking placebo. This relief was so noticeable that some patients were no longer eligible to continue in the study.. Henning Bliddal, a rheumatologist at Copenhagen University Hospital and one of the study leaders, said the effect of semaglutide was so strong that in some cases it was comparable to the pain relief provided by opioids, although without the serious side effects associated with it. with these analgesics.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, with the knee being one of the most affected areas. Obese people are at particularly high risk of developing knee arthritis due to the added stress that body weight places on the joint. Except, Obesity worsens symptoms, creating a vicious cycle: pain limits patients’ ability to exercise, making it difficult to lose weight and, in turn, increasing pressure on the joint.
Semaglutide also has anti-inflammatory effects, which may explain the reduction in pain in addition to weight loss.
Study results show that losing weight directly helps relieve stress on the knee, which can reduce pain. But semaglutide also has anti-inflammatory effects, which may explain the reduction in pain in addition to weight loss.. According to an epidemiologist Lee Callahan, University of North CarolinaThese findings are “important and may be beneficial” for people with osteoarthritis as they provide them with a viable, non-invasive alternative for treating knee pain.
Repeated use of semaglutide
This discovery significantly expands the potential therapeutic options of semaglutide. Originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. called Ozempic, semaglutide has also been effective for weight control.which led to it being marketed as Wegovy in anti-obesity products. Now, with these new resultsSemaglutide is emerging not only as a weight loss treatment, but also as a promising treatment for obesity-related joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis.
Reducing joint inflammation not only relieves pain, but can also slow the progression of arthritis.
In addition to the benefits of semaglutide in treating pain, the anti-inflammatory effects of semaglutide open the door to exploring its use in other inflammatory diseases. Reducing joint inflammation not only relieves pain, but can also slow the progression of arthritis, providing a protective effect on the joint.. This is especially valuable in osteoarthritis, where there is currently no treatment to stop the progression of the disease.
Problems
Despite the benefits of semaglutide, Bliddal warns of potential problems associated with its long-term use in the treatment of knee arthritis.. One of the biggest concerns is the risk that patients will regain lost weight if they stop taking the drug, which could negate the pain-reducing benefits. Additionally, the cost of semaglutide remains a concern as it can cost hundreds of dollars per month, limiting its availability for many patients.
Callahan emphasizes the importance of combining addiction treatment with lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, to maintain long-term results.. Semaglutide can provide valuable support in the initial stages of weight loss and pain relief, but maintaining these results requires an ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment of obesity and arthritis
The study represents a significant advance in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in obese people. Not only has semaglutide been shown to be effective for weight loss, but it has also been shown to provide pain relief comparable to some opioid analgesics without the associated risks.. This drug opens up a new perspective for those suffering from chronic knee pain, improving their quality of life and allowing them to resume essential daily activities.
Semaglutide provides pain relief comparable to some opioid analgesics without the associated risks.
However, the use of semaglutide in such cases should be approached with caution, given the costs and the need to maintain long-term benefits through lifestyle changes. With additional studies and long-term follow-up, semaglutide may establish itself as an innovative and effective solution not only for obesity, but also for improve the quality of life of people with chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis of the knee.
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