Arthritis Treatment

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the goals of arthritis treatment are similar.

These include the following:

• Relieve pain/inflammation
• Minimize risks of therapy
• Retard disease progression
• Provide patient education
• Prevent work disability
• Enhance quality of life and functional independence

While the goals are similar they are achieved using different approaches depending on the diagnosis. The effective management includes a combination of conventional medicines, effective alternative treatments, changes in diet and food, rest, exercise, lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss if needed), and joint protection.

People most commonly begin to notice symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis between 20 and 40 years of age. It is most common in males, but can occur in both sexes. The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips especially after resting.

Pain and stiffness may also occur in the chest, knees and ankles. Interestingly, the pain and stiffness seem to improve with activity and exercise.

As one gets older the inflammatory process involved in ankylosing spondylitis tends to become less and the progression of the disease slows or stops. If left untreated, however, the bones of the spine and pelvis may begin grow together (fuse) causing permanent stiffening and loss of mobility.

Treatment to prevent or reduce joint damage caused by anlylosing spondylitis consists of anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation and pain and gentle regular exercise to maintain the mobility of joints.

Successful treatment with leflunomide (arava) of arthritis