Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.
Last updated Tuesday, January 25, 2005
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ResearchWhat's new in arthritis research? Progress is so fast in some areas of arthritis research
today that the media often report new findings before the medical
journal with the information reaches your doctor's office. As a result,
you need to know how to evaluate reports on new arthritis research.
Arthritis researchers are looking at four broad areas of research. These include causes, treatments, education and prevention.
Researchers are learning more about certain conditions. For example, in osteoarthritis, researchers are looking for signs of early destruction of cartilage and ways to rebuild it. For rheumatoid arthritis
and other types that involve inflammation, researchers are trying to
understand the steps that lead to inflammation and how it can be slowed
or stopped. An initial study suggests that fibromyalgia
affects more older people than originally thought and often may be
overlooked in this group. Your doctor can tell you about other new
research findings. If you would like to take part in arthritis
research, ask your doctor for a referral to a study in your area.
Many people help make arthritis research possible. The federal
government, through its National Institutes of Health, is the largest
supporter of arthritis research. Drug companies do the most research on
new medications. Credits Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation
brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800)
542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK, contact the National
Helpline: (800) 283-7800.
Adapted from several pamphlets originally prepared for the Arthritis
Foundation, one of which is by Beth Ziebell, Ph.D. This material is
protected by copyright. Disclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
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