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Arthritis - Health Hotline
Ebony, July, 2003
IT can strike suddenly and without warning. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Among African-Americans, arthritis is reported more often than heart disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma and diabetes, and it affects nearly 4 million African-American men, women and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis will victimize 7 million African-Americans by 2020.
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Although there are several factors that contribute to the onset of arthritis, including age, gender, obesity and work-related factors, a variety of treatments exists. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation, relieve pain, lower fever and prevent blood clotting. Over-the-counter pain relievers do not lessen inflammation, but are effective in reducing pain and providing mild relief in some cases. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs slow the course of rheumatoid arthritis and are recommended in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
Biological response modifiers, one of the newest treatments for arthritis, have become increasingly popular by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. Three of these biological response modifiers, which must be infused or injected, have received FDA approval and a fourth is slated for approval this year. Powerful fast-acting steroids are also dramatically effective, but can have dramatic side effects (brittle bones, mood swings, cataracts). To bypass the side effects, steroids can be injected directly into inflamed joints. COX-2, a relatively new class of drugs, received its first FDA approval in 1999 and is an effective treatment that prevents or lessens corresponding stomach damage.
In addition to medicinal approaches, surgery is also available in severe cases.
For the most effective arthritis management system, medical experts agree that a combination of medicine, exercise and physical therapy (massage, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy) is most effective. Daily exercises for strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and range of motion improve the performance of arthritic joints and lessen the occurrence of pain. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and dietary may also be effective when creating a balanced treatment program.
The best treatment, experts agree, are preventative steps and early medical care and treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best pain management for your needs and commit your lifestyle to a plan that works for you. Taking control of arthritis begins with taking charge of the best treatment.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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