Genetics testing for OA?

GraceB

Do you know of any genetics testing taking place re OA please? My 87 yr-old father has this (very badly), myself and my three adult siblings all do and it's now in the next generation down. I'm fairly sure my father's parents generation also had arthritis issues. I suspect many other OA sufferers may well in in a similar situation with family history. Thanks. Grace.

helpline_team

Dear Grace,

Thank you for your post to Helplines. Although rheumatology conferences do discuss genetic factors in osteoarthritis (oa) I'm not aware of any commonly available tests being made public yet.

What we do know is that for people at risk of early arthritis it would be advised to avoid becoming overweight and to be taking plenty of gentle exercise.

If you'd like some more of our information you can download our booklets here: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets

or email helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk and we'll post you an information pack.

For more about the research side see: http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/about_us/arthritis_news/press_releases.aspx

I hope that is helpful

Guy