The different forms of rheumatic disorder are the most widespread, crippling and usually painful conditions to which our population is subject.
(BRITISH LEAGUE AGAINST
RHEUMATISM)
Worn-out knees and hips, inflamed big toes and fingers, rigid backs and face rashes are just some of the unpleasant symptoms of the 180 or so rheumatic diseases that destroy the joints. Although some sufferers can, with the help of surgery, drugs or exercise, lead relatively normal lives, others find that treatment brings no benefits.
Colin Tudge examines how the latest ideas about the causes of arthritis and rheumatism may produce better drugs in the future, and explores what can be done now to improve the prospects for today's patients. Researcher MILES BARTON Producer DEBORAH COHEN t HELPLINES: page 69