Arthritis is a debilitating joint disease affecting 46 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The term refers to over 100 conditions affecting the joints, muscles and soft connective tissues. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints begins to wear down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of the condition that affects the lining of the joints; swelling, joint deformity and bone erosion occur. Fibromyalgia causes pain in connective tissues that support and move bones and joints; pain symptoms are common in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips.
Step 1
Educate yourself to learn about the disease process and what causes arthritis pain. Visit with a rheumatologist, an arthritis specialist. Create a treatment plan with the rheumatologist, including possible drug therapy. Consider taking a chronic pain class, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Offered by the Arthritis Foundation and other medical centers, the classes teach pain coping skills and mechanisms. Visit with other arthritis sufferers and share tips and techniques to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Step 2
Apply heat or cold to ease pain associated with arthritis. Take a hot shower or bath to relieve muscle aches. Stay in the bath or shower for about 15 minutes. Warm muscles by using a heating pad, hot water bottle or electric blanket. Decrease pain and numb areas by applying cold therapy, such as ice packs or soaking affected area in cold water. Soak affected area in warm water for about four minutes and alternate with a soak in cold water for one minute; this may be effective in fighting rheumatoid arthritis pain. Repeat the cycle for 30 minutes and finish with a warm water soak, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Exercise and continue to use muscles, bones and joints associated with arthritis. Meet with a physical therapist to create a personalized exercise regimen. Understand exercising strengthens muscles, increases range of motion and reduces arthritis pain. Joint mobility and flexibility are maintained when participating in a regular exercise program. Fight fatigue, a common symptom of arthritis, by implementing the exercise program.
Tips and Warnings
- Make use of assistive devices for additional help and to decrease pain and stress on specific joints. Use a cane, walker or brace to reduce stress on the knees.
- Pain lasting more than two hours after exercising may mean the joint has been overworked, according to the Mayo Clinic. Monitor the area; if pain doesn't decrease after two days, contact a medical professional.
Things You'll Need
- Heating pad
- Hot water bottle
- Electric blanket
- Ice pack
