| Arthritis pain is caused by many different variables, | | | | Keep a daily journal, including diet, activities, stress and |
| including inflammation of the tissues that line the joints, | | | | pain levels. Discussing this with your doctor can help |
| the tendons, or ligaments around the joints, and muscle | | | | you both determine what aggravates your arthritis and |
| strain. Fatigue also causes arthritis pain to worsen. | | | | how best to treat it. |
| Everyone's arthritis pain is different, and the pain varies | | | | Additionally, discuss with your doctor about whether to |
| a great deal from person to person. Also, everyone | | | | use hot or cold packs for pain relief, as the type of |
| responds differently to different treatment methods. | | | | arthritis you have will dictate which is best. Many |
| You and your doctor should work together to develop | | | | patients find joint stabilization (splints) very helpful in |
| the best plan to relieve your arthritis pain. | | | | relieving their arthritis pain. |
| There are, however, many things that you can do | | | | Massage is also helpful in managing pain, but because |
| yourself to increase the effectiveness of your | | | | the affected area may be very sensitive, a |
| treatment. Eating a healthy diet will give your body | | | | professional massage therapist familiar with arthritis |
| necessary nutrients to keep your joints healthy. Since | | | | pain is best suited for this. If necessary, your doctor |
| fatigue contributes to arthritis pain, getting 8 to 10 hours | | | | can prescribe medications to help control the pain, but |
| of sleep every night is a must. | | | | these are some tips as to what you can do yourself. |