Treatment methods. Nonsurgical treatment methods for diseases in multiple joints (polyarthritis).

Abstract

Nonsurgical treatment methods involve pharmaceutical treatment, physical therapy, and occupational therapy The most common pharmaceutical treatment for pain is NSAID (nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs) The risk for side effects of NSAID is greatest among the elderly and in patients with multiple diseases Cortisone has rapid and favorable effects, but the side effects decrease its usability Disease modifying drugs have good effects, but act slowly Immune system modifying treatments are being studied in early polyarthritis It is beneficial to individualize physical therapy Scientific documentation on unconventional treatment methods is insufficient Nonsurgical treatment of polyarthritis in adults is insufficient to avoid functional impairment, dependence on others, or pain in all patients. This field of treatment is advancing rapidly regarding both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. Nevertheless, even in the future, many of these patients will still require rheumatic surgery.