Help for Severe Arthritis

Severe arthritis is caused by inflammation of joints in the body. Learning how to cope with arthritis pain is necessary if you want to live a full and active life. Creating a pain management plan with your physician is one way to take control of arthritis pain. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking appropriate medications when necessary are all ways to reduce the affect of arthritis on your life.

Types of Arthritis

• Arthritis is caused by inflammation of joints that connect the bones in the body. Arthritis can cause chronic (prolonged) or episodic pain that inhibits some people from performing basic tasks.

  Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are two forms of arthritis that can cause severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly a genetic condition, causes the body to attack the outer lining of joints. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Rheumatoid arthritis affects both children and adults.

  Osteoarthritis affects older adults after years of joint movement. Over time, joints begin to lose cartilage, a spongy substance used as a cushion between bones. Without cartilage, bones rub together, which causes inflammation of joints.

  Other types of arthritis include gout, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis. Only a medical professional will be able to make a correct diagnosis of arthritis.

Daily Coping Tips

• Coping with the pain associated with severe arthritis can be a challenge. After a proper diagnosis has been made, work with your physician to devise a plan to help you cope with these challenges. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, the pain may be occasional or frequent.

  Eat a healthy diet that contains anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh fruits and vegetables promote good health. Avoid foods that contain saturated fats as these foods may cause inflammation of joints. Make a list of foods that seem to cause frequent inflammation so you can avoid them.

  Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight and to relieve stiffness. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help keep you relaxed during and after a painful episode.

  Coping with the pain in positive ways can help you live a more productive and satisfying lifestyle. Avoid smoking and alcohol as these activities may cause additional inflammation and will not help in coping with pain. Monitor your body so you will be able to tell when an arthritic episode is about to begin. Avoid negative thoughts as this will only cause depression and anxiety which can make the pain worse.

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is available if you want to learn more about coping with the pain using positive reinforcement. This form of therapy teaches you how to remain calm and focused even when the pain becomes intense.

Medical Treatment Options

• Medication may be necessary if you suffer from constant pain. Common medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease- modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (used mostly for rheumatoid arthritis), steroids and dietary supplements such as chondroitin.

  Severe arthritis may require surgery to remove joint linings that are causing pain. Joint replacement is also an option.