Current treatment concepts in arthritis

Some forms of arthritis cause few symptoms and little or no disability, while others cause severe pain, deformity and loss of function, and may even be fatal. Management must vary accordingly between the simple and the complex, the latter necessitating the use of potentially toxic agents. This article highlights some therapeutic approaches and emphasises the factors that influence the decision making process. Some areas of difficulty are discussed, particularly the treatment of dyspepsia in chronic arthritis.