The results of a study conducted at the University of Queensland, Australia show that for women in their 70s, the key to avoiding the pain and limitations of arthritis is to keep moving.

The study involed both middle-aged and older women. It was found that for older women, an hour of moderate physical exercise per week lessened chances of developing arthritis symptoms and that 2½ hours of physical activity is even more effective at keeping arthritis symptoms at bay.

These results were seen only in the older (72-79) group. Women in middle age (48-55) did not experience the same benefit.

Just Keep Moving, Ladies

For those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a new review of the evidence may show that low doses of steroids can inhibit joint damage if given in the first two years after diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys healthy joint tissue. It can cause pain, swelling, deformity and disability. Steroids are often used immediately after diagnosis but discontinued after slower-acting drugs begin protecting the joints. RA is usually diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60.

Concerns about side effects of steroid use means doctors have not used them in long-term treatment of RA. There is still a question over whether low doses will pose the same risks as high doses. However, one review concluded that the adverse effects of low-dose glucocorticoids were lower than is commonly thought.

More information on the study: Low-dose steroids reduce joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis

The CDC has announced that the annual cost of arthritis in the US has increased to $128 billion annually in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production.

Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Currently, 46 million Americans have arthritis and an estimated 8 million new cases will be diagnosed in the next decade. As the baby boomer generation ages, they add to the millions of arthritis sufferers in large numbers.

Arthritis is not only costly in monetary terms. Arthritis costs millions of individuals their health, physical abilities and often, their independence.

The Arthritis Foundation, the nation’s largest private, non-profit contributer to arthritis research has spent more than $380 billion since 1948 to support research into causes and cures of the many forms of arthritis.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved several generic versions of the Boehring Ingelheim’s Mobic Tablets, (Meloxicam) a popular NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Meloxicam is an extremely popular drug, ranking 38th in dollar sales of brand-name drugs in the United States. A generic alternative will mean significant savings for patients. The approval of generic drugs can effectively aid in the lowering of health care costs and currently are used to fill more than 50% of all prescriptions written in the U.S.