The Influence of Genetics on Knee Pain Sensitivity in Osteoarthritis Sufferers

(Newswire.net — February 28, 2017) Orlando, FL — Osteoarthritis affects millions of people in the United States alone. These sufferers may live with pain and immobility as well as a reduced quality of life due to the condition. There are several factors believed to contribute to pain.

Research reveals the influence of genetics on knee pain sensitivity in osteoarthritis sufferers. Knee pain may not just disrupt sleep and hinder sufferers from working, but may also impact their overall quality of life.

According to a team of researchers who studied individuals with knee osteoarthritis, genetics may play a major role in knee pain sensitivity.

Lynn Martire, a Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State, their work was part of the larger study that concentrated on the daily lives of couples, in which one has arthritis. The researchers tried to see how the condition can impact mood as well as interaction with each other.

According to the Professor, the biggest problem in arthritis cases is that sufferers typically become physically inactive due to pain. However, when they don’t move, the pain also worsens. The researchers collected genetic data from certain participants to investigate more about the daily knee pain sensitivity.

In previous research, there were two specific genes that researchers focused on, COMT and OPRM1. The researchers tried to determine how these genes are linked with pain sensitivity. It is also important to note that they took into account the average pain severity in individuals with different genetic backgrounds.

The present research was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain. The results reveal that the participants with two copies of either COMT or OPRM1 allele experienced more pain variability. The pain was also experienced at the end of the day as a result of physical activity.

According to Stephanie Wilson, a graduate student in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State, making predictions was part of the challenge since there isn’t plentiful data available out there. It is imperative to determine what exactly triggers pain as it allows sufferers to avoid such pain contributory factors.

Today, there are many arthritis sufferers who turn to the use of pain management options to improve their overall condition.

One of these potential pain management options is the use of glucosamine supplements, which are thought to be extremely helpful for cartilage repair. Glucosamine naturally occurs inside the body and has long been believed to be good for overall joint health.

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