Arthritis
This section about arthritis pain is not
intended as a comprehensive source of medical information,
but as a hub for links to other more detailed sources.
If you find this section
useful, please support our Foundation by clicking
here.
Arthritis is very common. It is a major cause of lost work
time and can cause serious disability.
There is more than one type of arthritis with osteoarthritis
being the most common form. This condition is due to wear
and tear in the joints and is more common in people over 50.
It is very painful in the weight-bearing joints such as the
knees and hips. Cartilage wears away on the bone ends causing
pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis may develop after an injury
such as bone fracture or a joint dislocation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is due to inflammation or swelling of
the joint lining which damages the joint. It can occur at
any age and in more than one joint. This is caused by underlying
rheumatic disease and is common in the hands and feet.
Diagnosis is by physical examination ann X-rays. Treatment
may include rest and drugs to reduce inflammation, such as
ibuprofen. Rheumatoid arthritis may be treated with steroid
injections or other specific drugs to reduce inflammation
and relieve pain.
If you have a pain problem, which needs treatment
you should contact your own doctor who can refer you to a
pain clinic in your area. This site is for information only
and cannot be treated as a substitute for the medical advice
of your own doctor. The Pain Relief Foundation is not able
to offer individual medical advice.
Dealing with Pain Series: Arthritis
The Pain Relief Foundation has produced it's own leaflet
containing some simple information on arthritis pain which
is available to download in PDF format:-
N.B. Requires Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have
the Acrobat reader you can download it here
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Useful Websites:
There are many sites on the World Wide Web
offering information to people about chronic pain and its
treatment. The suggested links, to websites providing such
information, from this website are considered by the doctors
at the Pain Relief Foundation to be useful and informative.
If you know of a good web site about chronic pain then we
would be pleased to hear your recommendation.
The Pain Relief Foundation is not responsible
for the content of these web sites, and does not endorse any
commercial product or service mentioned or advised on these
sites.
Support Organisations in the UK:
- Arthritis
Care:
Voluntary organisation for people with arthritis.
Offers information booklets online plus facility for
ordering printed copies, and a bi-monthly new magazine.
Helpline 080 8800 4050.
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