Arthrosis and management of joint pain in women

Abstract

The use of categories such as sex or gender can influence the outcomes drawn in health research. The female sex bears the biggest burden of disease in several musculoskeletal, neurological, and mental disorders both globally and in Colombia. There are clear sex-related differences in the epidemiology of osteoarthritis (OA) that cannot be fully explained by the vulnerability to the biomechanical impact, body mass index, alcohol consumption or physical activity. Moreover, the limited number of studies in younger populations restricts our understanding of, among other aspects, premorbid factors. Current studies assessing pain from a gender-based perspective (male or female) yield inconclusive results and may vary with the evolution of gender identity. OA causes significant disability, and there have been no major advances in its treatment. The most effective interventions are exercise and weight loss. Future research initiatives should explore additional biological and social measures that could modify OA outcomes