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Shvoong Home>Medicine & Health>Arthiritis cure - new medicine Summary

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Arthiritis cure - new medicine

Article Abstract by: kunal007    

Original Author: Waterfront
  • Summary rating: 5 stars (3 Ratings)
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While there is no cure for arthritis yet, doctors are making significant advances in how it is treated, and these
new strategies are making a noticeable difference in patients’ lives.
Osteoarthritis Advancements
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between joints breaks down. It most commonly affects the hands, knees and hips.
Today, most doctors believe that a combination of treatments — rather than a single approach — works best. Conservative treatments, such as lowimpact aerobic exercise, physical therapy and weight loss, may be recommended.
Newer medicines called COX-2 inhibitors may be appropriate for some patients, although they have some risks associated with them. In addition, some patients benefit from injections of steroids. Another type of injection is hyaluronic acid, a natural part of joint fluid that was approved for the management of osteoarthritis a few years ago. Injections may help ease pain and swelling for several weeks or more.
Osteoarthritis on the Forefront
In addition to treatment and management options, doctors are studying ways to detect osteoarthritis earlier. In the future, doctors could have tests that can determine if you have a genetic defect linked to joint problems.
Future treatments for osteoarthritis could involve tissue engineering. This involves placing healthy cells from another part of the body into an area where tissue is damaged.
New Medicines to Slow Rheumatoid Arthritis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also are benefiting from new treatment approaches. RA is an immune condition that causes joints to swell and slowly break down.
New RA medicines, called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), work on the immune system to reduce joint symptoms. For many, they can slow the course of RA.
Should You See a Rheumatologist?
If you have arthritis, you may want to consider seeing a rheumatologist — a doctor who is an arthritis expert. He or she can design a treatment plan for you using the latest therapies
Published: July 19, 2007
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