Generally speaking, arthritis treatments include medication, but an exercise program customized to reduce pain and fatigue while also preserving the structure and function of the joint is beneficial. Because there is a great deal of pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, people tend to limit their movements, which only creates muscle deterioration. Eventually weight gain will follow, which also creates more joint problems. Staying on top of joint movement through exercise arthritis treatments will help with the overall physical conditioning, helping the person maintain a healthy weight.

There are three types of exercise programs, and a good one should include all three; range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance. If performed on a regular basis, this will help maintain normal joint movement, increase muscle flexibility and strength, help maintain weight and reduce more pressure on joints, help keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy, and improve endurance.

Arthritis treatments are one of the research studies we’ve been working on here in DeLand, Florida. Some of our investigational treatments have shown promising results, but there is a need to do additional research studies to test investigational methods that may help us understand the condition.

So, if you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis and would like to take part in one of our arthritis treatments clinical trials, please click here for more information.

Understanding arthritis, what it means to have it, and that there are many types, will help a person decide what arthritis treatments work best for them. Some people automatically think that arthritis is a disease of sorts because the word ‘arthritis’ means ‘joint inflammation.’ However, inflammation is just one of the ways the body actually fights disease or injury. If the swelling, pain and stiffness last a long time, tissue damage can occur.

Let’s break this down a bit more. A joint is where two bones come together, like knuckles, hips, elbows, or knees. Cartilage, a spongy, smooth material covers the end of each bone where the joint comes together. The cartilage cushions the bones so they don’t rub together. The joint on the whole is covered in a thin film of synovium that produces a slippery fluid called synovial fluid, and the fluid has nutrients that help reduce friction in the joint. And finally, in order to keep the joint strong, there are bands of connective tissue called ligaments. Muscles and tendons support the joints and enable you to move from one joint to the other.

When the joint is damaged, joint inflammation occurs as a defensive, protective mechanism. Stiffness will occur to keep you from moving the joint, preventing further damage. However, if not treated the joint tissue will become damaged and your ability to move that joint will be painful and difficult. If damage does occur, treatment is essential.

The goal of arthritis treatments is to provide pain relief and increase joint mobility and strength. Treatment options include medication, exercise, heat/cold compresses, use of joint protection, and surgery. Your treatment plan may involve more than one of these options.

Arthritis treatments are one of the research studies we’ve been working on here in DeLand, Florida. Some of our investigational treatments have shown promising results, but there is a need to do additional research studies to test investigational methods that may help us understand the condition.

DeLand, Florida— February 26, 2010 — Avail Clinical Research, a privately owned research facility, founded in 1998 in DeLand, Florida, announces the launch of several osteoarthritis clinical trials to test investigational treatment options for those already diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). “We are very pleased to begin the systemic evaluation of our research studies to help find a viable investigational treatment solution to those suffering from osteoarthritis,” said Bruce G. Rankin, DO, CPI., the Vice Chief of Medicine at Florida Hospital DeLand. “We believe that these research studies will build significantly on the data generated by other studies conducted on investigational treatment options for O.A.” Dr. Rankin has been conducting research with Avail Clinical Research since 1999 and is currently the Medical Director.

The research studies will enroll those already diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which includes symptoms like pain in the hands, hips, knees or feet, stiffness for more than an hour, tenderness and occasional swelling, and joint deformity. In order to participate in the studies volunteers must be diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Avail Clinical Research will not take volunteers who:

• have any evidence or treatment of malignancy within the previous 5 years,
• have a history of alcohol or substance abuse within the previous 5 years,
• have used an investigatory drug or participated in an investigatory study within 30 days of the screening,
• are pregnant, or
• are breast-feeding.

Avail Clinical Research will provide participants with study related care, including physical examinations, laboratory services and study medications. Participants will also be compensated for time and travel. For more information regarding participation in our our clinical trials, contact Avail Clinical Research at 386.310.1334, or at www.AvailClinical.com.