Arthritis Treatments - Arthritis Surgery - Arthritis Research

Perhaps it wasn't the biggest year for arthritis news but there was a fair share about medications and research. Here is a review of the top stories in arthritis news for 2010.

Medications have long been considered "traditional" treatment. Since individual response to a specific medication can vary and because possible side effects are also a factor, finding the most effective medication or combination of medications can be a more difficult process than one would expect.

If an arthritis patient can go into joint replacement surgery with a sense of preparedness and peace of mind, the chance of a successful outcome increases. Here are 20 tips to help you get ready.

More than forty years of research has suggested that mycoplasma is the cause and tetracycline is the cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but this theory is still challenged.

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld offers information about what's the latest arthritis treatment, including the benefit of combination therapy.

Researchers from University College in London have presented findings from an experimental new rheumatoid arthritis treatment which involves B-lymphocyte depletion. Some say it's a "cure", others say a "remission", but everyone agrees it's exciting.

Were the recent reports which hyped B-lymphocyte depletion therapy as a potential cure for rheumatoid arthritis accurate or were the reports irresponsible journalism?

News of exciting research developments and a potential cure for rheumatoid arthritis was splashed everywhere last November. There has been an eerie silence about it ever since. Professor Jonathan CW Edwards lets us know where things stand.

Two recent reports offer different solutions as to what should be the primary treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. One study from the Netherlands suggests surgery is more effective than splinting, while another report claims prevention is the key.

"Clinical trial" is the scientific term for a test or study of a drug or medical device in people. These tests are done to see if the drug or device is safe and effective for people to use.

A brief explanation and fast facts about DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA has been helpful in reducing fatigue, improving thinking difficulties, and improving quality of life in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

You can help your treatment work. Arthritis can strike at any age. It hurts the joints, where two bones meet. It damages the joints and makes them stiff and painful. Correct treatment can ease the pain and help prevent more damage.

Before starting a new arthritis treatment, you are advised to weigh the benefits versus risks. It's common sense what that means, but how do you do it? How can a patient weigh the benefits versus the risks of treatment?

Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout attacks can be controlled or prevented by lifestyle changes and the use of certain medications.

A brief explanation and fast facts about Hyalgan injections.

A brief explanation and fast facts about Orthovisc injections.

An overview of pain and pain research. There are currently many treatment options available for pain, and scientists believe that research can help lead to more and better treatments for pain in the future.

Research has confirmed that a fake treatment, made from an inactive substance, can have a "placebo effect". It's not unusual for one-third of patients to feel better in response to treatment with placebo.

A brief explanation and fast facts about the placebo effect.

Prosorba column is a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis if all conventional treatments have failed.

Research shows no evidence to date that rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly the newest medications, increases the risk of breast cancer.

Rituxan, a drug used to target B-cells, is showing promise as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Stem cell research could lead to possible cures for many serious diseases and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. Before you can support or oppose stem cell research, you must fully understand the terminology, the potential, and consequences. Our 2-page feature helps you better understand stem cell research.

A brief explanation and fast facts about Supartz injections.

An explanation of Synvisc and viscosupplementation.

A brief explanation and fast facts about Synvisc injections.

Synvisc appears effective against pain in some patients with osteoarthritis of the knees and may delay the need for replacement surgery.

In the case of younger arthritis patients the benefits and risks of surgery must be carefully deliberated.

There are many treatment options for arthritis. Medications are considered traditional treatment for arthritis but some patients look for natural alternatives. No matter what treatment you choose, weigh the risks and benefits.

There are several types of joint surgery. It's important to understand the terminology in case your doctor ever presents surgery as a treatment option for you. Do you know the various types of joint surgery? Take Types of Joint Surgery - Test Your Knowledge.

A brief explanation and fast facts about viscosupplementation.

When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed as part of the treatment plan for arthritis patients? Are analgesic pain medications appropriate as a long-term treatment or maintenance treatment, or should they only be used short-term?