DEALING WITH THE PAIN OF ARTHRITIS

A guide to taking control of the pain of arthritis
Living with pain

Although it may not be possible to cure the pain of arthritis, it can be reduced or avoided. 78 words are used to describe pain in the English language, so it is not surprising that any two people may have difficulty making each other understand their pain. Everybody copes in their own way. This depends upon their own circumstances, how much help and support they get from friends, relatives and their doctor, and the range of options they are able to take advantage of.

Taking control

There are an increasing number of ways to manage arthritis and pain and these are being used by more and more people, both through their doctor and by recommendation through friends. All the methods can be useful, but the ones which prove to be the most effective depend upon individual needs. With a doctor's help, it is possible to develop a way of managing pain and so take control of arthritis. It is often a combination of methods which proves most effective in controlling pain, e.g. relaxation and exercise

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is now one of the most exciting and helpful ways of exercising for arthritis. The patient is taught the right sort of exercises for them, with sessions either at the local hospital or in the home. Heat and cold treatment may be advised by a physiotherapist and in some areas hydrotherapy may be available. Under hydrotherapy, the joints are exercised in water, usually in a heated pool.

Pain-relieving medicines

Medicines play an important part in controlling pain, but it is important to take the appropriate medication according to one's lifestyle. The medicines most often used to reduce inflammation and pain are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Like all medicines, these need monitoring for any problems.

Complementary therapies

These include aromatherapy, homeopathy, herbalism, and reflexology. Many people with arthritis have benefited from complementary therapies. Aromatherapy, for example, is sometimes successfully used in conjunction with physiotherapy. Always consult a doctor before starting therapy and find out all about it from the recognised body.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine which uses fine needles to stimulate energy channels, known as "Qi", believed to run beneath the surface of the skin. Some practitioners use a machine to produce the same effect without the needles. Acupuncture is now used by more and more physiotherapists, anaesthetists in pain clinics, and other doctors, as part of a programme of pain control.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Small pads containing electrodes are taped onto the skin near the painful area to stimulate the nerves. These pads are connected by wires to a small battery-operated stimulator. It produces a delicate vibrating sensation which does not hurt. This technique is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It is thought to work on the brain's pain centres to relieve pain.

Massage

Massage has long been thought to be a healing process. In addition to getting the blood flowing, it is very relaxing. A technique known as acupressure-point massage can help relax muscles and improve bloodflow. This can provide temporary relief from localised pain. Self-massage can also be taught as a means of easing pain. Ask a physiotherapist about massage.

Relaxation

Relaxing is not always as simple as it sounds; it is a technique that may have to be learnt. There are simple techniques which can be learnt for regular use. Using a relaxation tape to talk through the process is often helpful. Making time to relax helps to cope with arthritis as well as most of life's trials. Ask a doctor, physiotherapist, or the local library about relaxation classes, tapes, and books.

Diet

A healthy, well balanced, high fibre, low fat, low sugar, diet which contains all the necessary nutrients is better than any other. Eating more fish, especially the oil-rich types such as mackerel, herring, or salmon etc., can help to reduce the problem of tender and swollen joints in arthritis, and is recommended by the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council as a dietary strategy to help sufferers cope with their disability. Again, ask a doctor and if necessary ask to be referred to a dietician.

Side-effects

Medicines are an important part of the management of arthritis, but sometimes people can experience side-effects. The following are symptomatic of side-effects from medicines:

• an increase in acid or a feeling of burning (heartburn) in the chest
• an itchiness all over or a rash
• feeling giddy, or having nightmares or headaches
• a feeling of nausea with or without the burning sensation
• bowel motions have changed or turned black
• persistent pain in the stomach or chest which goes through to the back
• a shortness of breath or feeling tired
• suffering from swollen ankles or other signs of swelling from fluid retention

If experiencing any of these, see a doctor as soon as possible so that the medication can be adjusted accordingly.

The pharmacist

If the onset of pain is recent and a doctor has not been consulted before buying pain-killers, it is important to take advice from the pharmacist on whether or not the tablets bought over the counter are right and do not conflict with other medication may be taken.