The US researchers have developed a new method of scanning joints that could disclose the warning signals of the aching condition.

According to researchers, the MRI scan mainly searches low levels of the chemical glycosaminogycan that assits cartilage in joints hold the water, which makes it hard and stretchy.

Actually, the deteriorating and collapse of the cartilage that cushions the moving parts of joints, plays a crucial role in the development of osteoarthritis, which is common in the over-40s age group throughout the world.

Lead researcher Dr. Alexej Jerschow of New York University said, “Our methods have the potential for providing early warning signs for cartilage disorders like osteoarthritis, thus potentially avoiding surgery and physical therapy later on.”

The research group is making further studies to spot the illness even earlier by searching a substance known as glycosaminogycan (GAG) that helps the cartilage hold lots of water.

The researchers discovered a method to make the hydrogen atoms linked to GAG emit a sign that can be picked up by the scanner.

According to them, a patient given early notice of impending arthritis could take cautious steps to defend their joints, possibly by making use of dietary supplements including glucosamine and chondroitin that may slow or halt joint degeneration.

The next stage now is to test the technique in trials.

But, researchers claimed that the practical implications of the research are on limited scale.

Prof Alan Silman of the Arthritis Research Campaign stated, “Unfortunately at the moment there's no treatment that could be offered that would change the situation. What it may prove to be is a sensitive test of drug treatment response as new agents are developed.”