Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a human or other animal subject afflicted with arthritis, including rheumatoid, arthritis and osteoarthritis, comprising a sixty (60)-day treatment period, comprised of an optional NSAID administration regimen and a phosphonate administration regimen, wherein(a) said optional NSAID administration regimen which comprises the administration to said subject of NSAIDs at a level of from 20% to 80%, preferably 20% to 70%, most preferably 20% to 50% of the conventionally prescribed daily dose on each day that said NSAID is administered; provided that said NSAID is administered in sufficient quantities and on a sufficient number of days to alleviate symptoms of inflammation, and wherein(b) said phosphonate administration regimen comprises the administration to said subject of a phosphonate at a dose equivalent to a systemic level of from about 0.0005 mgP/kg to about 1.