Arthritis is an umbrella term referring to more than 100 rheumatic diseases. The UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center notes that these diseases affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and while this disease can affect people of all ages, it is most common in older people--half of those over the age of 65 have some form of arthritis. Those with this condition have varying ranges of pain, from mild to severe, all of which sufferers can reduce to some degree.
Step 1
Make a pain management chart to track the methods you use to treat your pain. List each new method of pain management you try and how effective it is for you. Add information to it on a regular basis, and keep it in a place, such as the bathroom or on the refrigerator, where it is regularly visible.
Step 2
Perform simple maintenance exercises and stretches regularly to help prevent joints from becoming stiff. Change positions on a regular basis, moving your head from side to side periodically and shaking out your hands. The Mayo Clinic explains that bending and stretching the legs is helpful, but stresses the importance of taking breaks when exercising the joints--overuse can result in more pain.
Step 3
Stay socially active. The University of Washington Medicine Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine says that the greater amount of time a person spends focusing on pain, the greater the pain is. To redirect this focus, the University suggests increasing social activity. Spend more time with family and friends by going to the movies, out to dinner or volunteering for a local organization. In the end, you may find yourself happier, which in turn may just block pain signals.
Step 4
Try rest and medication. For occasional pain, over-the-counter medication--such as acetaminophen--every four hours when pain strikes after performing activities the body is not used to. When the pain lasts longer and is related to activities the body is not used to, the Mayo Clinic suggests taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These drugs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which means they help reduce inflammation in the joints as well as joint pain.
Step 5
Make lifestyle changes. Health complications such as obesity, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, both complicate arthritis and can contribute to its pain. If you are overweight, making gradual changes such as reducing food intake, replacing fruits and vegetables for ice cream and cakes and swapping water for soda can result in weight loss and alleviate arthritic pain.
Step 6
Try cold and heat therapy to get relief from pain and inflammation while relaxing the muscles. Cold compresses reduce the swelling in the joints, thus alleviating pain, while heat compresses such as heating pads, warm baths and warm, moist washcloths relax the muscles. The Arthritis Foundation suggests checking the area prior to treatment for any cuts or sores. Should any be visible, wait for them to heal before using the treatment. After the treatments, check the skin for any discoloration, hives or swelling, which are indications that the treatment was too strong.
Step 7
Quit smoking. Smoking, according to the Mayo Clinic, places stress on connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons, thus causing more pain. Quitting can help alleviate this pain.
