Osteoarthritis has long been understood as a purely mechanical condition driven by wear and tear. Recent research is challenging this view by revealing that joints may not be sterile after all. Scientists have identified microorganisms within joint fluid, particularly in osteoarthritic joints, prompting a significant shift in how joint disease is understood.

Emerging evidence suggests that these microbes may actively influence inflammation, pain, and cartilage degeneration rather than being incidental findings. Distinct microbial patterns have been observed in arthritic joints, with associations noted between microbial presence, inflammatory activity, and disease severity.

This evolving understanding opens new possibilities in osteoarthritis care. Recognising the role of microbes may enable earlier detection of joint disease, refine diagnostic strategies, and support the development of targeted, non-surgical treatments. Osteoarthritis is increasingly viewed not just as a problem of bones and cartilage, but as a condition shaped by biology, immunity, and the body’s internal balance.