Arthritis
Pain Management
The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The
term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic
diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which
surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern,
severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the
specific form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions
are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one
or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly.
Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system
and various internal organs of the body.
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain,
minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and
quality of life. According to the American College of Rheumatology,
the treatment of arthritis might involve the following:
- Medication
- Nonpharmacologic therapies
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Splints or joint assistive aids
- Patient education and support
- Weight loss
- Surgery
In conjunction with medical treatment, self-management of
arthritis symptoms is very important as well.
The Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program, developed by
Dr. Kate Lorig of Stanford University, is an effective self-management
education program. The program helps people develop the skills
needed to manage their arthritis on a day to day basis and
gain the confidence to carry it out.
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