Pain Management Strategies for Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. At Greater Austin Pain Center, we understand how arthritis pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective strategies to manage arthritis pain and help you lead a more comfortable, active life.

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Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis is not a single disease; it encompasses over 100 different types, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily attacks the lining of the joints.

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Key Pain Management Strategies

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Medication Management:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.

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Prescription Medications

For more severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Lifestyle Modifications

Exercise

Regular movement helps maintain joint function and reduce pain. Activities like swimming, walking, and gentle yoga can be beneficial.

Weight Management

Reducing body weight can decrease the stress on joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine.

Diet

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables) can help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, are also known to reduce arthritis pain.

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Interventional Procedures

Joint Injections

Corticosteroid injections, also known as joint injections, can provide pain relief by reducing inflammation in the joint. Hyaluronic acid injections are another option that can provide lubrication for the joints, especially in osteoarthritis.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to modify the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain, providing relief.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive surgery that can be used to clean out the joint to reduce pain and improve function.

Viscosupplementation

When corticosteroids joint injections are insufficient for controlling arthritic joint pain additional injection therapy can include viscosupplementation which can “lubricate” the joint and provide lasting relief. 

Platelet Rich Plasma

This injection therapy uses our body's own healing characteristics to repair and heal joints damaged by arthritis. This is preferred by patients seeking to avoid steroid therapy and may provide lasting relief.

Education and Support

Understanding your condition and learning how to manage it can significantly affect your quality of life. Support groups and counseling can also provide emotional support and coping strategies.

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Tailoring Your Treatment

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we recognize that each person's experience with arthritis is unique. We work closely with our patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and lifestyle. By combining medical treatments with supportive therapies and lifestyle changes, we aim to minimize your pain and improve your day-to-day activities.

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For Assistance in Managing Arthritis Pain, Trust Greater Austin Pain Center

Living with arthritis can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can manage your arthritis pain effectively. At Greater Austin Pain Center, we are committed to helping our patients find the best ways to cope with arthritis and enhance their quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive pain management services and how we can help you take control of your arthritis pain.