Arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints and surrounding tissues. As the disease develops it can cause severe pain and disability. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, degenerative joint disease that often involves the hips, knees, neck, lower back, or the small joints of the hands. Treatment usually includes analgesics, topical creams, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (known as NSAIDs); appropriate exercises or physical therapy; joint splinting; or joint replacement surgery for seriously damaged larger joints, such as the knee or hip. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that usually involves the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, feet, or ankles. Focus on Arthritis Research brings together leading research in the field.

This volume focuses on therapeutic targets that were identified after TNF blockade. All these targets have recently been registered or are currently under development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Each chapter explores the biological rationale of a distinct therapeutic target in great detail. Readers will discover the latest in vitro work, animal models, and results from clinical trials.

Frontiers in Arthritis is an eBook series devoted to publishing the latest and the most important advances in arthritis research. Each volume brings together contributions from rheumatologists ad orthopedic specialists on the diagnosis, management and treatment of arthritis. The series also puts a focus on strategies for managing pain in patients in both pre and post operative situations. Management of Osteoarthritis - A holistic view provides information about osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Chapters explain osteoarthritis pathology and therapy (nutritional, exercise and surgical). The volume also covers different therapies such as viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma injections, biologicals (amniotic membranes) and surgical options aimed at alleviating pain. The book is an ideal quick reference guide for medical students and nursing staff.