Whelehans Health News — Arthritis

Joint pain Part 2 Osteoarthritis: the most common cause of joint pain   Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by ageing and long-term wear-and-tear in the joints. After years of use, the cartilage that cushions the joints can break down, until bone rubs against bone.   It most commonly affects the knees, hands, hips, and spine. It causes more mobility disability in people over 65 than any other condition. The condition is the number one reason for joint-replacement surgery. It occurs mostly in men after the age of 50 and in women after...

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie This is the final of three articles on the subject of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This week I discuss used for longer term control of RA. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are core to treatment as they slow down or stop the progression of the condition and prevent joint deformities. They allow people suffering from RA enjoy a normal life. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) DMARDs help to ease symptoms and slow down the progression of RA. The...