What Can Doctors Do for Arthritis Pain?

Affecting nearly 27 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joints caused by cartilage erosion. Cartilage acts as a sponge-like cushion between the joints, allowing for easy movement and flexibility. With the eventual wear and tear of this layer of cushion comes a painful stiffness or swelling in the joints, greatly alleviated with the help of a physician or rheumatologist.

Diagnosis

• Identifying the type of arthritis present is the first step in treating arthritis pain. With more than 100 different types of arthritis affecting various pressure points all over the body, treatment cannot be conducted until affected areas are determined.

  To do this, your doctor will suggest a number of tests based on physical examination and medical history. X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will likely be used to determine the amount of joint degeneration and rule out other possible causes for pain. If the imaging tests prove ineffective in determining the type of arthritis present, your physician may perform a procedure called joint aspiration, the draining of fluid from affected areas to be examined for diagnosis.

Treatment for Pain

• Depending on the severity of arthritis, treatment for arthritic pain may vary. You're doctor will either provide you with an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug. Anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce swelling or stiffness include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis and biologic response modifiers (BRMs). These drugs are best known for cutting down pain messages to the brain. Drugs that relieve pain, but will not reduce inflammation, include antidepressants, analgesics, painkillers such as morphine or codeine, and tranquilizers for extreme cases.

  In addition, heat and cold treatments can be therapeutic in alleviating joint pain. Be sure to first make sure your skin is dry and free from any open wounds. It helps to cover your cut or sore with a towel before placing a hot pad or cold pack on the area to prevent swelling or discoloration.

  A cold pack will numb the affected area and reduce inflammation. A heating pad stimulates blood flow and relaxes muscles. Warm baths or washcloths are especially good. It's normal for the skin to appear pink after using a hot or cold pack, but be sure to allow your skin to return to normal color before placing the pack on again.

  Physical therapy is another possible outlet for those with arthritis. Massages will bring relief and warmth to the stiffened areas. It's important, however, if performing the massage yourself to stop if you feel any pain. Your doctor can usually recommend a licensed massage therapist with experience in treating arthritis.

  Many arthritics also practice relaxation techniques to ease the physical and emotional stress coupled with osteoarthritis. Rest and relaxation will help counter these effects and give you a sense of control over your pain. Try using audiotapes or videos aimed at guiding you to a more peaceful state of mind, or hypnosis, which allows you to focus your attention internally, rather than bodily.