A treatment program may include the use of anti-inflammatory medications that combat the arthritis, instruction in specific exercises to maintain joint mobility and finally, specific dietary modification to reduce joint stress. These diagnostic and treatment programs are the rheumatologist's specialty. To understand the rationale behind the use of certain arthritis medications, it is first necessary to understand some basic facts concerning arthritis. The term arthritis is used to mean inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. There are many causes of such inflammation.
Inflammation is the body's natural way to fight disease.
However, when the inflammation becomes out of control and affects the joints and surrounding tissues, arthritis occurs. Furthermore, when inflammation continues for long periods of time, joint damage may occur. The main goal in arthritis treatment and therapy is to reduce the inflammatory response. One form of therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications. These medications have been scientifically proven to reduce the inflammation of arthritis.