Doctors' Digest

Arthritis treatment - what is available?

Arthritis is a chronic condition characterised by painful, stiff and swollen joints. If you have severe arthritis you are likely to have reduced mobility, disturbed sleep, impaired quality of life, and even depression. There is no ‘standard’ arthritis treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the arthritis you have. Arthritis treatments range from lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise, mobility assistance) to medicines that treat the symptoms and that target the cause of the disease. This article on arthritis treatment is by Kathryn Senior, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.