Coping with Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the joints. Sometimes it also causes redness, swelling, and warmth. In severe cases, joints may become misshapen.

There are different kinds of arthritis. Two common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Will the arthritis get worse as I get older?

Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that results from the wearing down of joints, almost always tends to get worse over time. The older you get, the more worn your joints become. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation (redness and swelling) in the joints, especially in the joints of the hands, arms, and feet. You may have just 1 attack of rheumatoid arthritis, but it is more likely that you will keep having attacks, which may get worse with time.

Although arthritis causes pain and stiffness, there are things you can do so that the arthritis does not disable you. For example, if you are overweight, the extra weight puts strain on joints in the spine, hips, and knees. You can protect these joints by losing weight and keeping a healthy weight. Also, muscles and joints that are not used tend to stiffen up. You can protect yourself against stiffness by gently exercising your muscles and joints.

How much should I exercise?

You need to exercise enough to keep your muscles strong and joints mobile. It is much better to exercise often for short periods of time, with periods of rest in between, than to exercise strenuously every once in awhile. Exercise gently without straining or jarring your joints. Wear comfortable, well-cushioned shoes, and avoid high-impact activities such as jogging on hard surfaces like concrete.

You can do some exercises sitting down; for example, tightening and then relaxing different muscles. Exercising in a warm swimming pool is good, too. The water supports your weight while you move, and the warmth helps improve joint movement.

Talk with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program. Too much too soon or even at the wrong time of day may make arthritis worse. Your provider may refer you to a physical therapist to design a program that is right for you.

Should I use heat or ice?

Both heating pads and ice packs can help reduce pain and stiffness in a joint. Try both and see what works best for you. You might find it helpful to put heat on your joints before gentle exercise and then to use ice afterward.

Can arthritis be cured or controlled?

So far, there is no cure for arthritis, but medicine can control the pain and reduce inflammation so that you can keep moving. Many medicines for arthritis, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can be bought without a prescription.

Most of the time, acetaminophen is the best medicine to use to relieve pain. It has fewer side effects than other pain relievers when used for a long time.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are other drugs used to treat pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are NSAIDs that you may buy with or without a prescription. Adults 65 years old or older should not take NSAIDs for more than 7 days without their healthcare provider's approval. NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling but can cause kidney and stomach problems.

COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex) are prescription NSAIDs. They may cause fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs, but they have been linked to a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Talk to your healthcare provider about which medicines are best for you and the type of arthritis you have. Make sure that you do not take more than the prescribed dosage of any medicine.

Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and fish oil capsules may help relieve pain. Yoga and acupuncture may help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.

Many devices are available to help you stay independent despite arthritis. These devices include canes and walkers; bath seats and grab bars for the bathtub; and larger grips on tools, utensils, pens, and pencils. Velcro fasteners on clothes and shoes are very useful, too. Your healthcare provider can advise you about physical therapy, occupational therapy, and special devices that may help you.

Joints can sometimes be surgically corrected or replaced. Your healthcare provider can advise you about this option.