Comprehensive treatment of arthritis pain
Neurological Conditions | Arthritic Pain | Back & Neck Pain | Knee & Shoulder Pain
Arthritis pain causes significant healthcare utilization and expense. Fortunately, patients with painful arthritis can and do improve with proper therapy – and by proper, that means concise, evidence-based treatment relying upon well-respected protocols (such as those promoted by the American College of Rheumatology). Proper care also means care that is comprehensive and multidisciplinary.
Synergistic approaches
Persistent pain is the most common symptom of arthritis. Sources of that pain are inflammation, increased intramedullary tension, subchondral microfractures, osteophytes, muscle spasm and flexion contractures. Additionally, stimulation of unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers can trigger pain in the joint capsule, ligaments, synovium and bone joint – in effect, any structure containing nociceptors.
For treatment, the American College of Rheumatology recommends nonpharmacologic interventions in conjunction with appropriate drug management. The organization takes this position because of evidence strongly suggesting that nonpharmacologic therapy decreases the need for medication and office visits, while analgesics help patients better tolerate and more effectively utilize nonpharmacologic treatment.
The mainstay of pharmacologic approaches include oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. Corticosteroids are most appropriate for treatment of acute and chronic pain in joints when effusion and inflammation are present. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, inhibits inflammatory mediators and cartilage degradation while stimulating cartilage matrix synthesis and/or protecting nociceptive nerve endings.Physical medicine and rehabilitation form the core of nonpharmacologic intervention, beginning with exercises to strengthen muscles and increase range of motion – keys to the reduction of arthritic pain.
Strength and flexibility are key
Pain also can be reduced by lessening joint-loading forces, such as through splinting, bracing, taping and the use of canes or other assistive devices. Meanwhile, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound and diathermy have been found to offer clinically relevant short-term pain relief. Applications of heat or cold also can help relieve pain by improving range of motion.
Castle Hill Medical of New York is home to specialists in relieving arthritic pain through nonsurgical approaches that include injection therapy, therapeutic modalities and physical therapy. We are dedicated to the twin goals of reducing pain and restoring function.
Comprehensive treatment of arthritis pain
Neurological Conditions | Arthritic Pain | Back & Neck Pain | Knee & Shoulder Pain
Arthritis pain causes significant healthcare utilization and expense. Fortunately, patients with painful arthritis can and do improve with proper therapy – and by proper, that means concise, evidence-based treatment relying upon well-respected protocols (such as those promoted by the American College of Rheumatology). Proper care also means care that is comprehensive and multidisciplinary.
Synergistic approaches
Persistent pain is the most common symptom of arthritis. Sources of that pain are inflammation, increased intramedullary tension, subchondral microfractures, osteophytes, muscle spasm and flexion contractures. Additionally, stimulation of unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers can trigger pain in the joint capsule, ligaments, synovium and bone joint – in effect, any structure containing nociceptors.
For treatment, the American College of Rheumatology recommends nonpharmacologic interventions in conjunction with appropriate drug management. The organization takes this position because of evidence strongly suggesting that nonpharmacologic therapy decreases the need for medication and office visits, while analgesics help patients better tolerate and more effectively utilize nonpharmacologic treatment.
The mainstay of pharmacologic approaches include oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. Corticosteroids are most appropriate for treatment of acute and chronic pain in joints when effusion and inflammation are present. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, inhibits inflammatory mediators and cartilage degradation while stimulating cartilage matrix synthesis and/or protecting nociceptive nerve endings.Physical medicine and rehabilitation form the core of nonpharmacologic intervention, beginning with exercises to strengthen muscles and increase range of motion – keys to the reduction of arthritic pain.
Strength and flexibility are key
Pain also can be reduced by lessening joint-loading forces, such as through splinting, bracing, taping and the use of canes or other assistive devices. Meanwhile, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound and diathermy have been found to offer clinically relevant short-term pain relief. Applications of heat or cold also can help relieve pain by improving range of motion.
Castle Hill Medical of New York is home to specialists in relieving arthritic pain through nonsurgical approaches that include injection therapy, therapeutic modalities and physical therapy. We are dedicated to the twin goals of reducing pain and restoring function.