How can you tell if a remedy is appropriate for your arthritis? Can you determine whether a clinic is reputable? Be wary of any claims of cures. As of now there is no cure for arthritis. When there is one, your doctor will know about it. Be wary of claims that one miracle drug, device, or treatment will cure all forms of arthritis or other pain. Arthritis takes many forms and requires individualized treatment.

Start with your family doctor, who knows you and your health history. Your own physician will prescribe a treatment plan that will include proven therapies, such as medication, rest, exercise, perhaps losing weight, a nutritious diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

In some cases physicians refer arthritis patients to arthritis specialists called rheumatologists for treatment. Rheumatologists do not advertise and receive most of their patients on a referral basis from reputable physicians. If your physician advises you to go to a rheumatologist, you can be sure that you will receive appropriate treatment for your disease.

If your have any doubt about a course of treatment prescribed for you, consult another doctor. No reputable physician will mind having a consultation by another specialist who will give a second opinion.

The Cost of Arthritis

Arthritis hurts. It is also expensive. In financial terms the overall costs to the world economy run into hundreds of billions of dollars. In human terms-pain, suffering, and disability-the costs cannot be measured.

Arthritis takes its toll in reduced quality of life for many families and for many individuals. For business and industry it is a costly factor due to absenteeism, loss of productivity, and disability payments. It is the leading cause of industrial absenteeism and is second only to heart disease as a reason for disability payments. It is the nation’s number one crippling disease.

For many individuals delays in receiving professional care mean additional personal and societal costs. Early diagnosis and prompt, appropriate treatment can cut costs. To business, successful treatment of arthritis can mean a reduction of both human suffering and economic loss. Only as more people become knowledgeable about the warning signs of arthritis and the importance of professional treatment at an early stage of the disease can the upward spiraling of arthritis-related costs be reduced.