Understanding and Dealing with the Pain of Arthritis

Arthritis simply means joint inflammation. But what is also means is pain. Arthritis is also referred to as a group of over one hundred rheumatic diseases. These diseases all mean pain. But they also can neab stiffness, and swelling of the joints. In some cases, it is not only one’s joints that are infected. Some patients report pain, stiffness and swelling in their muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments.

Over 40 million American suffer from some form of arthritis. Many of these people also are in chronic pain, which limits their daily activity. Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis. It affects over 20 million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most disabling and it is said to be affecting 2.1 million Americans.

The pain that one suffers is the body’s way of warning us that something is wrong. Our nerves signal an injury and then they tell our brain.

Pain from arthritis can come from different sources. This pain can arise from swelling of the tissue that lines one’s joints, tendons or the ligaments. Muscle strain and fatigue can also be contributing factors.

The pain and the intensity of the pain vary from person to person. This is something that doctor’s do not understand, yet. Some people will experience pain when they first awake in the mornings while other people will not experience any pain until they begin using a certain joint.

The tolerance that people have for pain also varies. Some factors that can affect one’s tolerance include depression, anxiety and hypersensitivity at the affected site.

What can be done for the pain? To start, most people will reach for over the counter medicines.

If you think you have Osteoarthritis (which means you have small amount of inflammation) you can usually start by taking a pain reliever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) in it. But if you think you have rheumatoid arthritis, which means more inflammation and possible swelling, you might want to take an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil)

People also seem to like to use cold and heat for their pain. You can use moist heat by taking a warm bath or shower. Or if you prefer dry heat you can place a heating pad on the painful area for about 15 minutes to help relieve the pain. If you experience swelling along with the pain, you might prefer to use ice packs or frozen packages of vegetables. Be sure to wrap the pack in a towel first, this will protect your skin from frost damage. Hold it for about 15 minutes. If you have poor circulation, never use cold packs.

You can also protect your joints before pain occurs by wrapping sensitive areas in wraps or bandages. This is an easy way to protect one’s ankles, knees or wrists. Just make sure you do not wrap it too tight.

Another special way you can treat your pain is by getting a massage. If possible, you should get this massage from a trained massage therapist. He/she will lightly stroke and or knead the painful muscle and or joint. This will help increase the blood flow and bring warmth to the stressed area. However, remember your joints are sensitive. When you first schedule your appointment be sure to tell the therapist about your arthritis and ask if he/she is familiar with working with people affected with arthritis.

Exercise, especially walking also is known to help arthritis. Of course, you should start slow. Try to do a little more each week, if you are able.

If you are over-weight, this is also a factor that can affect your arthritis. Extra weight means more strain on your joints. Try to loose the weight. Again, exercise is a factor that can benefit you.

Your last resort is of course, seeing the doctor. When you first go, he/she will probably ask you to rate your pain on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being a slight pain and 10 being the worse pain you ever experienced. He/she will also probably ask you to describe the pain. Is it achy, burning or stinging?

If possible, you should try to keep a record a week or two before you see the doctor. You can record when you experience pain, what you were doing when it first occurred and what number you rate it. This can help your doctor with his/her diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. But there are medicines and treatment options that may help you. You first must stay inform and you must work along side of your doctor.

Some people also try alternate methods such as special diets, supplements or even acupuncture to help with the pain. There is no no medical evidence proves that thes supplements help, even though some people claim they do.

The only few things doctors are sure will help are: a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, (8 to 10 hours) and exercise.

There is no easy cure for anything and arthritis seems to be no exception.