Arthritis Institute Focus on Modulation of Arthritis

Description

In this insightful presentation by Dr. Thomas Best, the speaker initiates a critical discussion on the understanding and treatment of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. Dr. Best challenges the reliance on X-ray assessments, positing that they provide minimal information regarding joint conditions. He emphasizes that the true pathogenesis of arthritis is evolving and that treatment should be more disease-specific, similar to advancements seen in rheumatology. The talk highlights the need for a paradigm shift from episodic care to a holistic, chronic disease management approach, advocating for a comprehensive team-based treatment model that includes physical activity and exercise as core components.



Dr. Best provides insights from ongoing studies, including NIH-funded trials aiming to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis through various treatment paradigms focused on physical activity. He addresses the disparity in pain perceptions among different ethnic groups and discusses the application of modern technologies like AI to identify patient-specific phenotypes, thus aiming to tailor treatments more effectively. He concludes with a call for more integrated care models likened to those employed in the management of diabetes and hypertension, expressing the urgency to advance the field of arthritis treatment to better serve patients.

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