The evolving landscape of osteoarthritis management: From conventional pharmacotherapy to gene therapy, stem cell therapy and nanotechnology-based therapeutics.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a primary contributor to long-term disability globally due to persistent cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. Global experts have focused their efforts on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying problem. The article elucidates the intricate pathophysiology of OA, demonstrating the progression of disease comprehension from mere mechanical injury to its contemporary recognition as an inflammatory condition. The article explores existing non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment alternatives, emphasizing emerging medical solutions, including a shift from conventional therapeutics to nanotechnology, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy. Nanocarriers serve as an efficient mechanism that facilitates the delivery of pharmaceutical drugs and herbal drugs to their targeted site while safeguarding them from destruction. Various gene therapy strategies are currently being developed for therapeutic administration. The review anticipates that future OA therapies will develop into regenerative medical approaches including ancient herbal practices with modern nanotechnology and biotechnology advancements.