Rheumatoid
arthritis is an
inflammatory form of
arthritis in which
the body's immune
system attacks the
lining of the joints
causing destruction
of those joints.
This commonly known
crippling arthritic
condition usually
occurs in adulthood,
but can occur in
younger individuals
as well.
Arthritis
treatment is
generally aimed at
trying to eliminate
the causative
factors or irritants
that cause pain
within our bodies
due to irritated or
inflamed joints. The
most common type
osteoarthritis is a
"wear and tear"
arthritis. This can
be alleviated
sometimes with
simple rest, ice,
exercised, and
anti-inflammatory
agents.
If the
aforementioned
conservative
treatments fail to
alleviate the
irritation, other
treatments are
instituted,
including physical
therapy, cortisone
injections, or new
Synvisc or Hyalgan
injections which are
coating agents
injected into the
affected joints.
Only when these
treatments fail,
does the physician
opt for surgical
treatments. Surgery
can be very helpful
in assisting you to
return to your
normal activities of
daily living.
