The optimum management of arthropathies.

The aims in management of an arthropathy are to relieve symptoms, preserve function, and control the disease process. Drugs are an important, although not the only, part of any therapeutic regimen enabling us to achieve these aims. Although each individual requires a unique strategy, there is a logical progression from first-line agents to second-line agents. Third-line agents and experimental methods are reserved for aggressive or life-threatening disease. The choice of agent in each group is personal preference, but many agents have high adverse effect profiles, and close monitoring is essential.