|Updated: 4/11/2007 4:46 pm ||Published: 4/11/2007 4:46 pm
Treatment for the two most common forms of arthritis,
osteoarthritis (ost-tee-oh-ar-threye-tiss) and rheumatoid (room-
ah-toyd) arthritis, is basically the same. Most therapies
include a combination of medication, exercise, and rest.
Medicine helps control pain and reduce inflammation, while
exercise maintains joint movement and strengthens muscles. In
cases where function is severely threatened, surgery to replace
or rebuild damaged joints may be necessary. Talk to your doctor
about a treatment program that includes exercise or physical
therapy and will meet your needs. The sooner you seek help, the
better. Most forms of arthritis can be contained from advancing
to severe stages if treated early. Until a cure is found,
staying as healthy and comfortable as possible is the best way
to live with the disease. For more information, contact a health
care professional.