Patients suffering from osteoarthritis will be happy to learn of a new study that is being conducted at the University of Leeds. A research team at that institution is about to carry out a major clinical trial that will study the effectiveness of a drug called methotrexate in helping relieve pain related to osteoarthritis.
The drug is already being used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and has been found to be successful in the treatment of this condition. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, however, are very different than those of osteoarthritis. The new clinical trial will aim to study the effectiveness of the drug in treating symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and inflammation of the joints. But osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, that results in the wearing of essential cartilage. Some pilot studies have already shown encouraging results from the use of methotrexate. According to the research team from the Leeds Institute of Haematology and Muscle Skeletal Medicine, one study found that 37% of patients who suffered from osteoarthritis and were administered methotrexate reported a 40% reduction in pain.
Current treatments for people who suffer from arthritis do come with a number of side effects and complications, which makes them not very popular. People suffering from osteoarthritis may be unable to work because of the debilitating pain and may no longer be able to work and earn a living. For these people, living with osteoarthritis involves severe and chronic pain and difficulty in performing everyday routines. Doctors and patients will be eagerly awaiting the results of this clinical trial.
M. Stanley Whitehead is a Houston Social Security disability benefits lawyer, committed to representing persons who have had their disability claims rejected, and helping them recover the benefits that are rightfully theirs.
