Introduction Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders worldwide and a leading cause of pain and disability among adults. This condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones within the knee joint gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Millions of people suffer from knee osteoarthritis, and its prevalence continues to rise due to aging populations, increasing obesity rates, and sedentary lifestyles. Although osteoarthritis is commonly associated with older adults, younger individuals may also develop the condition as a result of injuries, genetic factors, or excessive stress on the joint. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about knee osteoarthritis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention strategies, and the latest medical advancements. What is ...
Merck's COVID-19 antiviral pill is the second authorized by the FDA The medicine might not get as much use as its Pfizer rival. Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral pill will already have some competition in the US. As the Associated Press reports, the Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization for Merck's Molnupiravir pill. The treatment limits replication of SARS-CoV-2 by inserting "errors" in the virus' genetic code while an infection is relatively young, ideally preventing mild or moderate cases from becoming severe in high-risk patients. The medicine might not get as much use as Pfizer's Paxlovid, however. Merck's offering will only be available to those 18 years or older versus 12 years for Pfizer's, as there are concerns it might affect bone and cartilage development in younger patients. There are also warnings against using it during pregnancy or while attempting to conceive — the FDA said people should use birth control ...