Arthritis Pain Management
Arthritis Pain Management: Understanding Your Options
Effective arthritis pain management allows you to maintain or reclaim mobility, independence, and quality of life. For many seniors, arthritis isn’t a fleeting ache but a persistent challenge that affects everything from morning routines to cherished hobbies.
While no single treatment works for everyone, the right combination of medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies can make a dramatic difference.
Whether you need to find effective joint pain services, incorporate more movement into daily life, or explore advanced pain relief options, this guide will walk you through proven strategies to help you stay active and remain in control of your health.
Why Is Arthritis So Painful?
Arthritis pain isn’t just the result of aging—it’s caused by underlying joint damage, inflammation, and mechanical wear. The condition affects the cartilage, bones, and surrounding soft tissues, leading to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort.
Arthritis can occur in any joint, but it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, neck, spine, and feet, where repetitive motion and weight-bearing stress accelerate joint degeneration.
How Arthritis Affects the Joints
Healthy joints have a smooth layer of cartilage that cushions bones and allows for fluid movement. In arthritis, this protective cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub against each other.
Inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also trigger excessive immune activity, which damages joint tissues and leads to chronic swelling, warmth, and pain. Over time, arthritis can cause joint deformities, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Common Types of Arthritis
Understanding the specific type of arthritis is essential for effective treatment. Whether due to wear-and-tear or immune dysfunction, arthritis pain is a result of complex biological processes that require targeted management strategies.
• Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of arthritis. It results from cartilage deterioration due to aging, repetitive use, or injury. It primarily affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint linings, causing painful swelling and potential joint erosion.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This form occurs in some individuals with psoriasis, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and skin symptoms.
• Gout: Gout is caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints, leading to sudden, severe pain, often in the big toe.
• Lupus-Related Arthritis: A symptom of lupus, this form causes joint inflammation and pain but may not lead to permanent damage as RA does.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis (PTA): Develops after a joint injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, which damages cartilage and accelerates joint wear. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles.
Medical and Pharmacological Treatments
Arthritis pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating stiffness that limits daily activities. While lifestyle changes and certain therapies help many, medication is often necessary when pain interferes with mobility, sleep, or overall quality of life.
Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, doctors may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, prescription medications, injections, or disease-modifying treatments to slow disease progression and relieve pain.
Talk With Your Doctor
Before starting any arthritis treatment, consult your doctor. Arthritis varies widely—osteoarthritis results from joint wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition requiring specialized care.
A doctor can assess your symptoms, recommend safe medications, and monitor side effects. They’ll also consider factors such as other health conditions, potential drug interactions, and long-term management strategies.
OTC Pain Medications
For mild to moderate arthritis pain, over-the-counter pain relievers are often the first line of defense.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, help reduce pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen provides pain relief without targeting inflammation.
However, long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney issues, and cardiovascular problems, so only use them when needed and as directed.
Prescription Pain Medications
When OTC options aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe stronger medications. Common prescription NSAIDs like celecoxib (Celebrex) provide pain relief with a low risk of stomach issues.
For severe pain, doctors may recommend duloxetine (Cymbalta), a nerve pain medication, or tramadol, a mild opioid. In rare cases, stronger opioids such as oxycodone may be used for short-term relief but come with a risk of dependence and side effects
Topicals
Topical treatments provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects than oral medications. Creams, gels, and patches containing NSAIDs (like diclofenac gel) reduce inflammation at the application site.
Capsaicin cream, derived from chili peppers, helps block pain signals over time. Menthol-based and lidocaine patches can also soothe sore joints. These options can work well for hand, knee, or localized arthritis pain.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
For inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are essential to slow disease progression and prevent joint damage.
Conventional DMARD, such as methotrexate, suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation. Biologic DMARDs, such as adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel), target specific immune pathways to minimize damage.
These medications can take weeks to work and may require regular monitoring for side effects such as liver issues and increased infection risk.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, offer powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can quickly reduce arthritis pain and swelling. They are commonly prescribed for short-term relief during flare-ups or when other medications take time to become effective.
However, long-term use can lead to side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and high blood sugar. Doctors typically use corticosteroids cautiously, often in low doses or as injections for targeted relief.
Trigger Point Injection
Trigger point injections help relieve muscle pain associated with arthritis, particularly when tight muscles contribute to joint discomfort.
These injections contain a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, to reduce muscle tension and inflammation around affected joints.
They are especially useful for patients with arthritis in the shoulders, back, or knees, providing relief that can last for weeks or months.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, are used to treat osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance inthe joint fluid that helps cushion and lubricate the joints.
Injections can provide months of pain relief by improving joint function and reducing stiffness. While viscosupplementation is not effective for everyone, injections are often recommended when other treatments fail or for patients seeking to delay surgery.
Nerve Block
For severe, persistent arthritis pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments, nerve blocks can provide significant relief. This procedure involves injecting an anesthetic near specific nerves to interrupt pain signals to the brain.
Nerve blocks can be used diagnostically or for long-term pain management, particularly for arthritis affecting the spine or large joints. The duration of the effects varies—pain relief can last from weeks to several months, and repeated treatments may be necessary.
How Herself Health Can Help
At Herself Health, we provide comprehensive primary care services for Minnesota women aged 65 and over.
We’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate the severity of your arthritis, review your medical history, and perform any necessary tests before creating a personalized joint care plan customized to meet your specific needs.
Treatment plans may include medications, lifestyle changes, or targeted therapies to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
We have five convenient locations to serve you:
• Rosedale: Our women’s health clinic in Rosedale is located in the Rosedale Marketplace near the Rosedale Shopping Center on the intersection of County Road B-2 and Fairview Avenue North.
• Lyndale: Our Lyndale women’s health clinic is on the corner of West 55th Street and Lyndale Avenue South beside Walgreens.
• Crystal: Our women’s health clinic in Crystal is found beside Tower Auto Mart near the intersection of Douglas Drive North and West Broadway.
• Highland Park: Our Highland Park women’s clinic is on the corner of Ford Parkway and South Kenneth Street within the Highland Center, which neighbors Hillcrest Park.
• Eagan: Our women’s health clinic in Eagan is tucked on the corner of Rahncliff Road and Cliff Road and is beside a Nothing Bundt Cakes store.
Nonsurgical Pain Management Techniques
For many seniors, managing arthritis pain without surgery is a priority. Nonsurgical methods can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
While medications provide relief, combining them with lifestyle changes and supportive therapies can lead to better long-term outcomes. From exercise to assistive devices, these approaches empower you to stay active and maintain independence.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Regular movement is essential for managing arthritis pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and yoga help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Physical therapy provides targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around affected joints, improving stability and function. A therapist can also teach techniques for reducing strain on joints, such as proper posture and body mechanics.
Weight Loss
Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, and can cause worsening arthritis pain. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce joint strain and improve mobility.
A combination of a balanced diet and gentle exercise can help manage weight while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Doctors may also recommend nutritional counseling for sustainable weight loss strategies.
Hot or Cold Packs
Heat and cold therapy offer simple yet effective pain relief for arthritis. Alternating between heat and cold can be particularly beneficial for soothing flare-ups.
Heat, such as warm compresses or heating pads, relaxes stiff muscles and increases blood flow to reduce joint stiffness. Cold therapy, such as ice packs, helps numb sharp pain and decrease swelling.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress can worsen arthritis symptoms by increasing muscle tension and inflammation. Establishing a stress management routine can make daily pain more manageable.
Mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and meditation help manage pain perception and promote relaxation. Gentle activities such as tai chi and progressive muscle relaxation can improve mental well-being while reducing joint stiffness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles at specific points in the body to promote pain relief. Studies suggest it may help reduce arthritis-related pain by stimulating the nervous system and improving circulation.
While results vary, many patients find acupuncture to be a helpful complementary therapy, especially for knee osteoarthritis.
Supportive Shoes
Proper footwear is an important part of arthritis pain management, particularly for those with foot, knee, or hip pain. Supportive shoes with cushioned soles, arch support, and shock absorption help reduce joint stress.
Orthotic inserts or custom-made shoe inserts can provide additional relief by correcting alignment and distributing weight more evenly. Avoiding high heels and unsupportive footwear is also key.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as canes, braces, and walkers can improve stability and reduce joint strain. Compression gloves may help ease arthritis pain in the hands, while knee braces can provide support for weakened joints.
Simple tools, such as jar openers and reach extenders, make daily tasks easier. A physical or occupational therapist can recommend the best devices for individual needs.
Advanced Pain Management and Surgical Options
When arthritis pain becomes severe and doesn’t respond to medications or lifestyle changes, advanced treatments may be necessary. These options range from minimally invasive procedures to surgery and can help patients regain mobility and reduce chronic discomfort.
While less invasive techniques can provide relief for months or years, surgical intervention may be the best long-term solution for advanced joint damage.
Radiofrequency Denervation
Radiofrequency denervation (also called radiofrequency ablation) is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the nerves responsible for arthritis pain.
Using heat generated by radio waves, the procedure disrupts pain signals before they reach the brain. It’s commonly used for spinal arthritis or knee osteoarthritis and can provide relief for 6 months to a year. The procedure is repeatable if the pain returns.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an advanced pain management technique that involves implanting a small device near affected nerves. This device sends mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals.
PNS can be a good option for those with chronic arthritis pain that doesn’t improve with medication or injections. Unlike surgery, PNS is reversible and can be adjusted based on pain levels.
Pain Pump
A pain pump, or intrathecal drug delivery system, provides continuous pain relief by delivering medication directly into the spinal fluid. This allows for lower doses of pain medication with fewer systemic side effects.
This method is often used for severe arthritis cases where oral medications are ineffective. Pain pumps require surgical implantation and ongoing maintenance but can provide long-term relief.
Surgery
When arthritis causes significant joint damage and limits mobility, surgery may be the best option. Common procedures include joint replacement (such as knee or hip replacement) and joint fusion, which stabilizes damaged joints.
Surgery is usually considered after conservative treatments fail. While recovery takes time, many patients experience lasting pain relief and improved function post-surgery.
Final Thoughts on Arthritis Pain Management
Living with arthritis means adapting, but it doesn’t mean giving up on the activities you love. From simple adjustments, such as choosing supportive footwear, to advanced interventions, like nerve stimulation, effective pain relief is within reach.
The key is working with your doctor to develop a personalized plan that evolves with your needs. With the right approach, arthritis pain management can empower you to move with greater ease, live with less pain, and enjoy each day to the fullest.
Nothing matters more than your health, but many women feel dismissed or overlooked during checkups. Discover how Herself Health is redefining healthcare for women 65+. Partner with us today!