Knee & Hip Arthritis

As many as 36 million people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (generally associated with aging), and rheumatoid arthritis (commonly referred to as crippling arthritis). Arthritis in its many forms may result in severe crippling, with pain and impaired joint mobility and function.

Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the disease. Initially the doctor may advise medication. Over the past several years there has been significant improvement in the medicines available. Other measures may on occasion be helpful -- such as physical therapy and braces or splints. Injections of a cortisone type drug into a painful joint frequently prove to be helpful. Newer forms of medications for injection into arthritic knee joints offer some promise.