Treating arthritis

Although it's impossible to cure arthritis, you can successfully cope with the disease with the help of a physician and other specialists. Because most forms of arthritis attack your joints, the prime objective of treatment is to prevent joint destruction. Once damage has occurred, it may be irreversible. You may begin your treatment by consuming large doses of aspirin, which is the most reliable and least toxic of all antiarthritic drugs, but always check with a physician before taking any medication. You can fight the disease with numerous types of medication, however, making sure you receive plenty of rest, particularly during periods when joints are painful and inflamed, is extremely important. Therapeutic exercises, individually prescribed for each person's specific condition, are essential not only for the maintenance of joint function, but also for strengthening the muscles that support the joints. An arranged plan of physical activity involves regular, gentle, and slowly progressive exercises. Surgical correction is sometimes needed to repair deformed or crippled joints.