American researchers are looking for new ways to reduce arthritis pain.

Arthritis is known to affect older people. Over time, the joints of the body suffer damage and become inflamed. The condition has also been found to affect younger adults who suffer knee or ankle injuries.

Now, University of Iowa scientists are using new methods for treating arthritis with existing medicines. They hope to target individuals who develop the condition shortly after an injury.

In tests, the scientists injected the medicines directly into the damaged joints. The hope is that the treatment will then block the cycle of cell dysfunction that follows an injury, and protect against arthritis.

The scientists have yet to carry out experiments with people. They used pigs instead because the animals’ joints react like human ankles.