|
Aspirin was created over 100
years ago primarily as a treatment for arthritis. It
has been used for this purpose ever since. Today aspirin
is recognized as one of the least expensive and most
effective medications for the treatment of many of the
forms of arthritis.
The term arthritis categorizes over
100 different diseases that attack joints and connective
tissue throughout the body. The most prevalent forms
of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, known as degenerative
joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis,
affecting almost 16 million people in the United States.
It is characterized by the wearing down of joint cartilage
that normally cushions bones. When the cartilage wears
down, bone rubs directly against bone, which results
in pain, swelling and a loss of movement.
The exact cause of osteoarthritis
is unknown. Although age is often considered a risk
indicator, research indicates that osteoarthritis is
not necessarily caused by aging.
Aspirin, in small doses, is one of
the most common treatments for osteoarthritis. Other
forms of treatment may consist of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen
or naproxen sodium, or other types of drugs such as
acetaminophen.
Severe cases of osteoarthritis are
often treated with prescription medications.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune
form of arthritis that can affect a person's entire
body. It is characterized by an inflammation of joint
membranes which causes swelling, pain and stiffness.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) have been shown to reduce the
pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis,
though it also can be treated by many disease-modifying
drugs. For the day to day pain and swelling associated
with rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin is often recommended.
|
