What studies in this area look at
Osteoarthritis studies often test a way to ease pain in one joint, usually the knee or hip, with a tablet, an injection or a structured exercise plan. Rheumatoid arthritis research looks at medicines that calm the immune system and protect the joints over years.
Studies of long-lasting back or joint pain sometimes test options other than medicine, such as physical therapy or devices worn at home.
Who often takes part
Each study sets its own rules, so this is a picture of the kinds of people these studies tend to ask for, not a checklist.
- People with osteoarthritis in a knee, hip or hand
- People living with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
- People with gout who have repeated attacks
- Adults with back pain that has lasted for months
What taking part can involve
Visits vary from study to study. These are among the things the team may ask of you:
- A physical exam of the joint and questions about pain
- X-rays or other scans of the joint
- Blood tests, especially in rheumatoid arthritis studies
- Simple tests of movement, grip or walking
Questions worth asking
Alongside the general questions for any study, these come up often in this area:
- Will I have to stop the pain relief I already use?
- Is there an injection, and where in the body is it given?
- How are pain and movement measured from visit to visit?