Arthritis Treatment

Once the diagnosis of arthritis is made, treatments are available for a variety of symptoms. There is no cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. The available medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Moreover, by decreasing inflammation, the joint damage is slowed.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), orthopedic bracing, medications, and dietary supplements (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

In general, studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercise of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis