1. Muscle & Bone Problems

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to over 100 disorders of the joints. The chart below gives information on common types of arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and how severe it is. In general, treatment includes:

  1. •An exercise program for your needs. Exercises done in water are very helpful and soothing.

  2. •Medicines to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

  3. •Healthy diet. Weight loss, if overweight.

  4. •Physical therapy.

  5. •Surgery. When needed, damaged joints can be repaired or replaced with artificial ones.

Self-Care / Prevention

  1. •Follow your doctor’s advice on exercise.

  2. •Take OTC and prescribed medicines as your doctor advises. Ask about supplements, such as glucosamine and flaxseed oil. Discuss products that promise to “cure” arthritis with your doctor. Do this before you try any of them.

  3. •Follow a healthy diet. Lose weight if you are overweight. Do not fast, though. This can raise uric acid levels and increase the risk for gout.

  4. •Don’t do activities that put too much stress on your joints. Take regular breaks. Protect the joints from injury. Wear knee pads, etc.


To Prevent Osteoarthritis

  1. •Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

  2. •Get regular exercise. (See Be Physically Active.) Don’t overdo it, though. If you feel pain, stop.

  3. •Prevent falls and sports injuries.

Do you have black, tarry, stools, and/or stomach pain after taking medicines for arthritis?

Is the skin over a joint red and shiny or do you have these problems?

  1. •Increased pain, redness, and/or swelling of one or more joints.

  2. •Fever and you feel sick.

In a child with joint pain or swelling, do any of these problems occur?

  1. •Pain and swelling about 2 inches below the knee cap.

  2. •The child limps from pain in a knee or hip or the child cannot run or use an arm or hand.

Are signs and symptoms of any type of arthritis present?

Do joint pain and stiffness prevent normal activities? Or, do symptoms not improve with prescribed treatment?

Questions to Ask