Millions of people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee could benefit from methotrexate, a drug already used to treat autoimmune conditions, according to a recent

study. Researchers discovered that methotrexate alleviates both the pain and stiffness associated with the disease, marking a significant breakthrough for patients.

Osteoarthritis of the knee, which affects approximately 5.4 million people in the UK, occurs when the body can no longer maintain the joint’s health, leading to pain and degeneration. Current pain relief options are limited and often provide only minimal, short-term benefits. Surveys by the charity Versus Arthritis reveal that one-third of osteoarthritis sufferers endure severe daily pain.

In a study conducted by the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 155 patients with knee osteoarthritis unresponsive to existing medications were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups: one received a placebo, while the other was administered methotrexate in tablet form once a week for 12 months. The findings, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that those taking methotrexate experienced reduced pain and stiffness within six months. The drug works by diminishing the activity of the immune system.

Professor Philip Conaghan, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the urgent need for effective osteoarthritis treatments. "Many trials of potential new treatments have failed to show benefits, leaving people with osteoarthritis with very few options. Our findings indicate that methotrexate, a drug commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, may offer a new treatment avenue. It also suggests that patients with elevated blood inflammation levels might benefit the most from this therapy."

While exercise, weight management, and physiotherapy are recommended for managing osteoarthritis, the significant pain and stiffness often necessitate additional treatments, which are limited. Joint replacements can provide long-term relief for advanced cases, but long NHS waiting lists mean many patients endure prolonged pain.

Dr. Sarah Kingsbury, another researcher on the study, noted, "This study offers real promise, but further research is needed to determine which patients will benefit the most, the optimal dosage, and the cost-effectiveness of methotrexate as a treatment for osteoarthritis."

Lucy Donaldson, director of research and health intelligence at Versus Arthritis, praised the trial results as a promising breakthrough. "New treatments for osteoarthritis pain are urgently needed. These findings could offer real hope for millions affected by knee osteoarthritis, especially given the lengthy waiting lists for joint replacements. This study highlights the importance of research and the need for greater prioritization and investment in arthritis treatment."

Roger Van-Cauter, a 73-year-old military veteran from Shropshire with osteoarthritis in his hands, hips, and knees, expressed hope following the study's findings. "Osteoarthritis is incredibly painful, and current painkillers don't alleviate my pain. Better treatments are desperately needed. News like this gives people like me real hope for the future." Photo by Injurymap, Wikimedia commons.