Finding the right drug to treat arthritis pain is a hit-or-miss affair, it has been stated.

Medical commentator for the Independent Steve Connor said most patients have to try two or more medicines before finding one that works for them.

He stated that in the case of arthritis, the drugs only work in about half the cases.

The writer suggested that it may be easier to find the right treatment sooner through DNA testing, which could link patients to the sort of drugs that would work for a person with their genetic profile.

People keen to find relief for arthritis may find that home ultrasound works well for them as well as not being dependent on their genetics matching up to the chemistry of the drugs they are being prescribed.

As well as often having to try different medications before finding the right one, arthritis sufferers may also have to wait a long time before being diagnosed.

Poor GP training in identifying the condition means many people suffer unnecessary discomfort, a report by MPs said last month.