Arthritis Research

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was not that many years ago when people who had arthritis were told "it just happens" but over the past few decades there has been a tremendous amount of work and research designed to understand the causes of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of this potentially crippling condition.

There are genetic links and an autoimmune connection but we have also learned that our environment can play a role as well. In fact a new study finds there is growing support for the theory that combined gene-environment interaction may have an impact on arthritis.  One such possibility is textile dust, which has been linked with respiratory problems for many years but now we see a potential crossover into arthritis. Much of this research is developing but it can definitely help us with treatments.