Team Approach
A number of different specialists may be involved in the care of a patient with arthritis. Often a team approach is used that may include:
Their goal is to treat all aspects of arthritis pain and help you learn to manage your pain.
An Active Role
The physician, other health care professionals, and you, the patient, all play an active role in the management of arthritis pain.
Treatment of Arthritis Pain
There is no single treatment that applies to everyone with arthritis, but rather the doctor will develop a management plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. A number of treatments can provide short-term pain relief.
Managing Your Pain
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic diseases that may last a lifetime. Chronic pain is distressing because it affects the sufferer on many levels. Learning how to manage your pain over the long term is an important factor in controlling the disease and maintaining a good quality of life.
Determining What Works
Better ways of controlling pain are continually being sought. With pain relief as the goal, arthritis sufferers can try a variety of pain relief techniques, determining which works best for them. The success or failure of each type of therapy is individual. What works for one may not work for another person.
