Many people with arthritis tend to be living with chronic pain. This can be one of the hardest parts of having arthritis. The arthritis pain may be constant, and it may come and go. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for arthritis. Which means for some, their arthritis pain can last a lifetime. From sore finger joints to sore ankle joints, here are some tips to help relieve arthritis pain.
1. Take your Arthritis Medication
It is important to continue to take medications recommended to you by your specialist, GP, or healthcare team. Over the counter or prescription medications play an important role in relieving joint pain and inflammation. Always speak with your GP and/or specialist before stopping or changing your medications. Some people may need to try different medications before they find the right one for them. If you have any side effects, speak with your doctor and/or specialist.
Research shows that regular appropriate exercise can help reduce arthritis pain. Activities such as, walking, water aerobics, tai chi or strength training can help relieve joint pain, and improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Doing exercises that increases your heart rate, like swimming or biking, can improve your heart health too. Exercise not only keeps you active, but it also keeps your joints moving. Exercise for some people can be the best form of pain relief for arthritis. It can give you more energy, reduce stress and help you sleep better.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, consuming healthy foods and quitting smoking may help relieve joint pain. Excess weight can increase the pressure on weight-bearing joints (like knees) and increase pain. Adipose tissue (our fat tissue) can also send out chemical signals that increase inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial for relieving arthritis pain and reducing some of the symptoms associated with arthritis. Eating a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and lean meats can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. This may help relieve joint pain when done alongside regular exercise.
A large amount of research shows that smoking can contribute to the development of certain types of arthritis. Quitting smoking can reduce the damage and pain associated with arthritis, and improve the chances of your medication working. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting or call Quitline on 13 7848
Allied health professionals, such as Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist, Podiatrist, Occupational Therapist, and Hand Specialist, may be helpful in providing techniques for arthritis pain management. For example, a Hand Specialist may provide some techniques to reduce pain in sore finger joints. A Podiatrist may help relieve arthritis pain in your feet. An Occupational Therapist can help people with arthritis participate in activities safely and enhance their quality of life. A Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist can prescribe exercises and stretches to protect joints and manage arthritis pain.
Living with arthritis can impact people differently. Some people with chronic arthritis pain find that their diagnosis effects their social life or friendships. For some, connecting with people who understand, or finding ways to keep busy by doing things they enjoy can boost their ability to cope with pain. Some people find by doing their hobbies or spending time with family and friends can be beneficial for arthritis pain management. Online or local interest or support groups can be a great way to connect with like-minded people. You can connect with others living with arthritis in our online support groups. Looking for more support? Speak to someone who understands what you are going through. Our Arthritis Assist telephone servicecan match you up with a fully trained peer-mentor who lives with arthritis like you.
7. Consider therapies that may provide short-term pain relief
There are some treatments or therapies that are not part of conventional or medical treatment for a disease, but which may help in finding relief from pain. While there may be little scientific proof of their benefits for arthritis pain, some people may find them beneficial as part of their pain management plan. Some examples that are used by some people for arthritis are:
- Hot or cold therapy
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
It is important to note with these therapies that there are limited studies proving their benefits for arthritis pain and mobility of joints and muscles. They may work for some people, and they may not work for others. Always speak with your doctor or specialist before starting any new treatments or therapies to be sure it is safe and suitable for you.
Arthritis pain may limit some of the things you can do, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the support of your healthcare team and family or friends, you can learn ways to manage your own arthritis pain. What works for one person may not work for another. You may have to try various techniques until you find what works best for you. Always talk to your doctor and/or health professional before starting an exercise program. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can suggest safe exercises and make sure you are doing your exercises correctly.
Sources:
- Arthritis Australia. Dealing with Pain information sheet. Dec 2017
- Arthritis Foundation. 4 Tips for Managing Chronic Pain. N.d.
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. 5 Ways to Manage Arthritis. Aug 16, 2021.
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