Show 1140: How Can You Manage Arthritis Pain?

More than 50 million adult Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. While osteoarthritis is the most common form, there are many others, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and even fibromyalgia. What are the similarities and differences between these various inflammatory conditions? What are the best ways to manage arthritis pain?

How Does Arthritis Affect the Body?

We think of arthritis as affecting the joints, and most forms of arthritis do indeed produce joint pain. However, some consequences of inflammation reach well beyond arthritis pain in the joints. Occasionally, people with rheumatoid arthritis complain of brain fog, and doctors may also see the results of inflammation in tissues such as the lungs, eyes and heart. Certain other conditions may increase the risk for arthritis. How can you reduce that risk as much as possible?

How Will You Manage Arthritis Pain?

Doctors usually recommend pain relievers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These may be prescription medicines such as diclofenac or meloxicam, or over-the-counter products such as ibuprofen or naproxen. What are the benefits and risks of such medications to manage arthritis pain?

Are there other approaches to reducing inflammation and joint pain? We’ll consider what an anti-inflammatory diet might look like and how well it could work. Do stress and sleep deprivation increase the likelihood that you might experience arthritis?

What Questions Do You Have About How to Manage Arthritis Pain?

On this live show, we welcome your questions about arthritis pain and how to manage it. You can reach us by email at radio@peoplespharmacy.com, or call between 7 and 8 am EDT on Saturday, October 27, 2018: 888-472-3366.

This Week’s Guest:

Beth Jonas, MD, is the Reeves Foundation Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at the Medical School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a rheumatologist with the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center and Director of the UNC Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program.