Pain management for arthritis

The pain from arthritis can come from many different parts of your body; common physical sources of pain include bones, joints, tendons, nerves and muscles. 

Pain can be influenced by physical factors such as disease activity, exercise and quality of sleep, as well as psychological factors, including stress, anxiety and depression. Some people even find weather affects their pain.

Pain that lasts for more than 3 months, known as chronic pain, can lead to changes to the body's tissues (nerve cells, muscle fibers etc) as well as mood changes, fatigue and relationship issues. 

There are many medical, physical and psychological ways to help control your arthritis pain. It is important to communicate with your care providers and use as many "tools" as possible to help ease your discomfort.

Research supports the use of medical strategies to treat arthritis pain.  For inflammatory arthritis, medications to control inflammation are important to start early to reduce pain and prevent joint damage. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about what strategies are right for you. Medicine strategies for osteoarthritis include:

• Topical creams (diclofenac, cannabis)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol Arthritis Formula)
• NSAIDS (naproxyn, diclofenac, Celebrex)
• Injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid) 

Take your medication wisely
Always remember to discuss possible side effects and drug interactions with your doctor and/or pharmacist.  Medication works best when you also manage your pain through lifestyle changes like eating well and exercising regularly. 

• Exercise and move regularly
• Use walking aids to help you stay active and reduce stress on sore joints
• Build muscle strength to protect sore joints
• Try heat, cold or even alternating between both
• Modify activities by pacing, planning and prioritizing
• Ask if orthoses (insoles) and splints would help you
• Explore complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractor, TENS
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet 

It is natural to feel grief or depression when you are diagnosed with a chronic condition. Common symptoms are feelings of isolation, helplessness, and loss. Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may be experiencing feelings of depression.

Dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis can also lead to increased stress. It is important to manage your stress in healthy, productive ways, such as:

• Breathing and meditation
• Stretching, yoga, tai chi or other gentle movements combined with breathing
• Keeping a positive mindset
• Staying active and engaged in your community
• Talking to a social worker or counsellor for more support