Pain is the body's warning system that something is wrong. Most people with arthritis experience two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary, lasting a few seconds, or longer and subsides as healing occurs. Chronic pain, however, ranges from mild to severe and can last a lifetime. 

Arthritis pain comes from different sources, including inflammation of synovial membranes, tendons, or the ligaments; muscle strain; and fatigue. The pain can vary greatly from person to person. A number of factors contribute to the intensity of the pain felt from arthritis. Some people experience more pain and stiffness when they get out of bed in the morning, and others find the pain is most difficult after prolonged use of the joint. Emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, and even hypersensitivity at the site of the inflammation can also be factors. 

How is Arthritis Pain Treated?
There is no single treatment that can be applied to all people with arthritis. A team approach to treatment and management includes an orthopedic specialist, other healthcare professionals and the patient. Together, they can develop an appropriate treatment program, tailored to individual needs. 

Below are some methods that may provide short-term relief from arthritis pain.

  • Medications. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen may be effective in treating pain from osteoarthritis. However, rheumatoid arthritis pain generally has inflammation that may be more effectively treated with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
  • Cold. An ice pack (or even a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel, placed on affected area.
  • Joint Protection. A splint or brace allows the joints to rest and protects them.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Mild electric pulses directed to nerve endings just beneath the skin in the affected area block pain messages to the brain and modify pain perception.
  • Massage. A massage therapist can lightly stroke and/or knead the painful area, increasing the blood flow and bringing warmth to the area that is in pain.
  • Acupuncture. Thin needles are inserted at specific points in the body to stimulate the release of natural, pain-relieving chemicals produced by the brain or the nervous system. Benefits of acupuncture should be discussed with a doctor.
    • Long-term relief strategies for treating arthritis pain include:
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment requires careful monitoring by a doctor to avoid side effects.
  • Weight Reduction. Excess weight puts added stress on joints such as the knees and hips.
  • Exercise. Low impact aerobic exercises and range-of-motion exercises can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
  • Surgery. Surgery to remove the synovium, realign the joint, or in advanced cases, replace the damaged joint with an artificial one, may be an option.
    • The long-term goal of arthritis treatment is to help the patient learn to cope with arthritis. To break out of the cycle of pain, depression, and stress, that often accompanies arthritis, it is important that the patient take a leading role in their care. The patient needs to try to focus on things that they like and that can distract them from pain. Additionally, there are numerous self-help groups which can be helpful. 
     

    Learn more about arthritis with these related topics:

  • Information on ARTHRITIS AND EXERCISE  presented by the national Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

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  • To access a variety of information about Arthritis, visit the NATIONAL ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION site.
    • Knee / Hip / Shoulder and Elbow / Spine / Foot and Ankle / Hand