Imagine two people with identical cases of arthritis. Even on x-rays their joints look exactly alike, and every test comes back with the same results. The only difference: One person is in agony, while the other has hardly any pain.

Many people assume there's a one-to-one relationship between arthritis and pain, meaning if damage to the joints is severe, so is the pain. The truth is more complicated. Many different things can affect pain, from your mood to your meals to your sleep habits. As reported in a recent issue of the Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, arthritis patients who feel helpless are especially likely to become disabled with pain.

Here's a look at different ways to control arthritis pain. Some are simple; others require real effort. Some are obvious; some are surprising. All can help you cope with your condition and get on with your life.

No matter what kind of arthritis you have, medications can help ease your pain. Some people need nothing more than an occasional over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Others need prescription medicine to alleviate their symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. These are powerful medications, though, so ask your doctor for side effects you should be aware of, and immediately report any that you experience to your doctor. In April 2005, the Food and Drug Administration asked the manufacturer of Bextra, one of the newer prescription arthritis medications, to take the drug off the market due to dangerous side effects. The agency also requested that the manufacturers of some over-the-counter medications beef up their warning labels to include more information about potential side effects. For more detailed information, see our primer on arthritis medications.

In 2004, warnings were issued about naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health were conducting a study to determine whether the drug could be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, but the study was halted after findings showed that patients who took naproxen were 50 percent more likely to have heart attacks or strokes. The Food and Drug Administration has advised people who take the drug to contact their doctors.

Regular exercise is a powerful remedy for arthritis. Experts recommend a combination of stretching, range-of-motion exercises (moving the joint through its full range), strength training, and aerobic exercise. As your joints become stronger, more flexible, and more stable, arthritis pain will fade and you may need less pain medication. For more information, see our primers on arthritis and exercise and arthritis and weight-lifting.

Both heat and cold can ease arthritis pain. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you decide which is the best choice for you. If your doctor recommends heat, try using a heating pad for about 15 minutes, or taking a warm bath or shower. You can ease the swelling in a joint with an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, but don't ice a joint for more than 20 minutes at a time (longer than that can cause frostbite). Keep in mind that cold therapy may be counterproductive if you have circulation problems.

If a joint is unstable, a splint, brace, or neoprene sleeve may help ease pain and reduce the risk of injury. Ask your doctor or physical therapist if joint support is right for you.

Extra pounds put more stress on your joints, especially your knees and hips. Losing just a few pounds can help relieve the strain.

No matter what kind of arthritis you may have, a balanced diet is essential for good health. Some preliminary studies suggest that two nutrients in particular -- vitamin C and vitamin D -- may show promise for easing osteoarthritis. (Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, builds bone mass, and prevents bone loss; vitamin C helps your body repair tissue.) More studies are needed before this approach can be generally recommended as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Make sure you get enough calcium, which will strengthen your bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Consult your doctor to see if a vitamin supplement is right for you.

But beware of miracle diets that promise to cure arthritis pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, many so-called "arthritis diets" are unproven and potentially dangerous. The foundation urges arthritis patients to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while going easy on fat and cholesterol. (Try working up to 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.) In other words, arthritis doesn't change the basics of healthy eating.

Sleeplessness and pain can form a vicious cycle. The more pain you feel, the harder it is to get a good night's sleep. And according to a report in the Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, a lack of sleep makes a person more vulnerable to pain. The National Institutes of Health recommends that arthritis patients aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. If this seems like an impossible dream, ask your doctor for advice.

The diary can help you understand your condition and give your doctor important clues for treatment. The very act of putting pen to paper can also give you a much-needed feeling of control.

As reported in the Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, mental distress can fuel arthritis pain. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, consider seeking professional help. Remember that depression is a disease like any other, and no cause for embarrassment or shame.

-- Chris Woolston, MS, is a health and medical writer with a master's degree in biology. He is a contributing editor at Consumer Health Interactive, and was the staff writer at Hippocrates, a magazine for physicians. He has also covered science issues for Time Inc. Health, WebMD, and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

References

First published September 26, 2002
Last updated July 23, 2008
Copyright © 2002 Consumer Health Interactive

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