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© DiabetesLoophole.com 2
Copyright © 2016 SuccessVantage Pte Ltd
All rights reserved.
Published by Reed Wilson.
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© DiabetesLoophole.com 3
Section 1 .................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction And Background ................................................................................................ 5
Treatment Options ................................................................................................................. 8
Section 2 .................................................................................................................................. 12
Having A Personal Action Plan For Making Arthritic Pain Disappear Is The Key!! .............. 13
Pills And Prescriptions, Medications And Drugs – Treating From The Inside, Outward ..... 15
Topical Treatments You Rub, Apply And Treating From The Outside, Inward .................... 16
Combination Treatments – Putting Things Together To Get The Best Results ................... 17
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) ............................................................... 17
Section 3 .................................................................................................................................. 21
Arthritic Pain Self-Management Action Plans ..................................................................... 22
SEVENTY Practical Considerations And Tips For Dealing With The Pain Of Arthritis And
Making The Pain Disappear ................................................................................................. 23
Section 4 .................................................................................................................................. 32
Personal Arthritic Customized Solutions That Work And Last ............................................ 33
Effective Treatments And Pain Management Science ........................................................ 37
Practical Suggestions To Minimize PAIN In Your Life Due To Arthritis And Related
Conditions ............................................................................................................................ 39
Thirty-Three More Insights For Success With Arthritic Pain And Management Of Your
Condition, Lifestyle And Future! .......................................................................................... 41
Section 5 .................................................................................................................................. 45
Final Tips For Healthier, Pain-Free, Arthritic Lifestyle Recommendations And Situations: 46
Other Helpful Arthritis Resources and Online Links ............................................................ 47
Arthritis Associations ........................................................................................................... 49
Arthritis – Abbreviations Page ............................................................................................. 49
Arthritis – A Fascinating Tale Through Time ........................................................................ 50
© DiabetesLoophole.com 5
Introduction And Background Arthritis Treatment And Pain Relief – A New FOCUS - Making The PAIN disappear.
Yes, various sufferers will tell you that they are aware that there is no real cure so to speak
in medical terms for this condition in its various forms and severity. Treatment options vary
depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy,
medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis), and as a
last resort, arthroplasty. Although prosthetic joint replacement is a treatment of last resort,
it is generally very effective and more than 90% of patients are very satisfied.
Arthritis is a very commonplace condition that has to do with inflammation of the joints.
The umbrella term we so easily use covers a great many conditions. Groups of symptoms,
aspects and factors, diagnoses and prognoses are covered with this terminology. Mostly the
illness, condition and discomforts are due to damage caused to the joints of the body,
impeding movement. It is no surprise then that arthritis is often cited as the ONE leading
cause of disability in people over the age of 65, in the US and across the globe. But, how
come, we as humans are so susceptible to this degradation? Why doesn’t everyone develop
it? What should you do once you have been diagnosed with it to not sacrifice your mobility
and quality of life?
These types of questions, inquiry and topics will form the basis of our musings here. Often,
not a week will go by that you do not see, hear or bear witness to be exposed to some or
other topical treatment or new product on the market that is either being toted as effective,
affordable and reliable, new, being studied or introduced. Gels, ointments, patches, pads,
rubs and more all fill our shelves and medicine cabinet in the fights against this degradation
some suffer as we age and get on in our years.
Something that needs to be clarifies right upfront is that there are indeed many different
forms of arthritis. There are differences in and for every manifestation of this condition.
It could be due to your immune-system malfunctioning, imbalances in your body, leaving it
to attack itself, infections, uric acid crystals, inflammation calcium pyrophosphate crystal
build-up and more.
Something that is the most common form of this ‘disease’, is known simply as osteoarthritis.
This has to do with damage and degradation of the joints. It is degenerative, aggressive and
debilitating, putting mobility, flexibility and movement ability at risk. This typically happens
due to infection and/or aging mostly.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 6
Regardless of the type or severity, onset of
arthritis you might be falling victim to, or have
the displeasure of having to cope with, there
will be pain. It will differ in location and
severity, manifestation and treatment options.
It will differ from individual to individual, over
time, at different times…. BUT it is an
undeniable part of living with it and NOT
HAVING IT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE
OR PUT YOUR HEALTH AT RISK!
It could be worse when sitting down or after
periods of exertion. Different times of the day
could bring different challenges and levels of
pain. Earlier and later stages of the disease
might be more or less painful to deal and cope
with. It knows no boundaries for age, gender
or generation! There are no exceptions,
elderly, young adults, athletes; even children
can be afflicted at different points in their
lives. Whichever way you look at arthritis is will have pain in the equation. This is the reason
for this guide. It is time for a practical hands-on treatment plan that works and gives advice
on what to do to intervene, prevent, protect and manage ARTHRITIC PAIN.
To determine a formal diagnosis and the extent of the degradation or problems, a physical
exam and some tests will be done by your doctor or medical treatment team to ascertain
elements of the history of the pain when it begins and ends, how bad it is/gets, could
be/become over time, which number of joints are affected, how long the pain lasts, what
aggravates it and makes it worse and what makes it better *(and why). Other tests that
might also be done to determine which treatment option would be the best, would be:
Radiographs (assess and quantify, determine what it the matter, diagnosis, confirmation and
baseline)
Blood tests and X-rays
Screening blood looking and testing for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF),
extractable nuclear antigen and specific antibodies.
There are various different types of arthritis, each with its best form of treatment and wide
array of causes, aggravating factors, lifestyle adjustments, therapies, remedies and MORE.
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We will take a closer look at some of the best plans and steps that you can make/take to
MAKE ARTHRTIC PAIN DISAPPEAR! You can choose to treat the symptoms, to bring relief or
dig deeper into the causality, more extreme procedures like surgery or replacement of the
joint to get permanent relief (or not!). The opinions, experts and research are all divided and
all over the spectrum.
It varies from most common forms of arthritis, arthritis due to other diseases as well as
illnesses with similar symptoms to arthritis. They could include any, some or all of the
following:
Ankylosing spondylitis
Crohn's Disease
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF),
Gout
Hemochromatosis
Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Hepatitis
HIDS (hyperimmunoglobulinemia D periodic fever syndrome)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Juvenile Arthritis
multiple myeloma
Osteo-arthritis
osteoporosis
Pierre Marie-Bamberger syndrome (hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
– lung cancer)
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome)
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Septic Arthritis
SLE
Still’s disease
TRAPS (TNF-alpha receptor associated periodic fever syndrome).
vasculitis syndromes
Wegener's granulomatosis
Treatment Options
When it does come to treatment options, there are many. Factors to consider before you
pick the regimen that is right for you, might include reflection on things like
the type of arthritis
severity and intensity, range of motion, pain
your age and physical health
physical and occupational therapy
medications
symptomatic or causal treatment
arthroplasty - prosthetic joint replacement
medicinal, natural or both - combination treatment plans
… and many more!
Osteoarthritis (OA) is also defined specifically as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint
disease, characterized by mainly painful joints. For no TWO individuals will pain be
experienced in the same fashion. This PAIN in turn is the discomfort caused by wear and
tear, due to breakdown in the cartilage that makes any weight put on it dreadfully grinding
and excruciatingly painful. Inflammation of the joint, bones, weakened muscles in the
surrounding areas also occurring make things worse. This makes any kind of movement
PAINFUL!
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According to online sources, there are many statistics that tell the story of how painful and
more commonplace arthritis really is/can be in our modern times. Here are some quick facts
from a variety of online sources summarizing the situation and incidence of the disease:
21 million sufferers in the United States
Primary care physicians’ visits are constituted of 25% due to this illness, condition
and PAIN relief search or many a desperate patient.
50% of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions is for
arthritis-related conditions and pain relief.
By the time most of us hit the age of 65, we will show signs and evidence of the
degeneration and degradation, wear and tear commonly found in most arthritic
conditions.
Up to as many of 80% may show symptoms, which is the majority of the
population! With almost two thirds of the human race developing the symptoms,
there are many different treatment options out there:
• NSAIDs
• local injections of glucocorticoid or hyaluronan,
• joint replacement surgery
It is a well-known fact that there is no cure for OA or arthritis in general. One of the main
commonalities is the persistent pain, impact on and loss of mobility, movement and a
sensation of stiffness, swelling, discomfort and difficulty getting around. Aches and burning
sensations, sensitivity to touch, redness, sore muscles and tendons are all symptomatic of
this condition.
Spasms and contractions are also not uncommon as is retention of fluids. It can strike at any
part of your body, including extremities (hands, feet), hips, knees etc. If you ask patients
how their joints feel, you will often hear, large stiff and painful! Significant loss of mobility
can also be present.
Genetics and hereditary predisposition is but one of the many contributory causes. Allergies,
infections, or fungi can also contribute their fair share as well. Aging has its contributory
nature and there are BOTH clinical and functional signs of the disease.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 10
Not everyone who has the
symptoms thought develop the
full-blown condition. So as far as
symptoms and manifestations of
this disorder, they are as varied as
the proposed treatments
themselves.
You will be well-served to not put
a lot of unnecessary weight on
your joints, at any time, to ease
the pain. Techniques such as MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging),
arthrocentesis and arthroscopy, are all used to describe the progression and severity of the
degenerative disorder and prognosis. How long, where and which joint the pain is in, how it
affects you and what the joint actually looks like, will give your doctors a great idea on
which treatment regimen to follow and recommend to you.
Once you have this disease/disorder you cannot reverse or cure it. That is the fact and
reality that you have to live with. There are however some approaches from the holistic
sciences and alternative medicinal practices realms that suggest that you can tap into
nature and your body’s ability to heal itself more to challenge this theory!
For the most part however, medication and other therapies, remedies and interventions all
focus merely on reducing the pain and improving the functioning of the joint itself. We
advocate that you can make the pain disappear through a personal action plan on dealing
effectively and head on with this problem. It therefore becomes extremely necessary for
you to focus in on the basic and comprehensive coping skills and lifestyle changes to NOT
allow it to direct and hold your quality of life captive.
Your initial intervention strategies might not be considered drastic. They might include such
measures as
weight loss, maintenance and control
healthy BMI and weight
appropriate rest
regular physical activity and exercise
Use of mechanical support devices
knee braces, canes, or a walker
Any helpful aids for walking and support.
walking or swimming
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Alternating heat and cold for instant relief
Relaxation, meditation techniques
Getting the weight off your joints, relieving joint stress
Health care advice and tools
Self-management to better your quality of life
Dealing with chronic pain
Facing realities like depression and frustration, feelings of helplessness hands-on
involvement in your own well-being, health, mobility
Reducing pain and improving your overall health, movement
Supplements and diet changes
Inclusion in your diet and nutrition of things like antioxidants, including vitamins C
and E in both foods and supplements,
Chondroitin sulphate
Hydrolyzed collagen (hydrolysate) (a gelatin product)
Ginger (rhizome) extract
Glucosamine
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
S-adenosyl methionine
vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin)
Minerals and Vitamin D, D3
Less to no saturated fats
No sugar and processed foods
Lots of vegetables and even vegetarian diet (no animal products, no diary) might be
extremely helpful in boosting immunity, health all-round, as well as be good for your
joints!
Macro-biotics and key essential nutrients rather than empty or hidden calories with
your intake. Think about the foods you put in your mouth and into your body and
what effect they will have on your systems and functioning parts, including your
joints.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 13
Having A Personal Action Plan For Making Arthritic
Pain Disappear Is The Key!!
It will have to be tailored to your specific needs, goals and focus on what gets the best, most
consistent and lasting results FOR YOU! You are focused on reducing the symptoms and
dealing with the aftermath of what the disorder brings to your life.
From prescriptions meds to pain relievers, people have been in search of what will make
them feel better and life more effectively with the condition, having the pain go away.
NSAIDs are popular and quite effective, but carry side-effects. Consider solutions like
diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. They inhibit pain and suffering, but for most patients
the effects on their other parts (heart, stomach) is to high a price to pay! Heat brings
swelling down and improves the circulatory system that can help you naturally deal with
symptomatic relief – sometimes exactly where it is needed.
Steroids have in general found not to be effective. Narcotics are also not recommended for
chronic pain as they might be addictive and cause a whole other set of problems that you do
not need in your life.
Topical treatments abound. There are creams, gels, lotions, sprays, ointments, supplements,
magnetic bracelets, watches, endorphin devices, to bring instant and lasting relief, lower the
perception of pain, shark cartilage , tea-tree oils, mineral gels, exercise routines, massage,
hypnosis and myriads of other therapies have been marginally successful for some/most
patients.
One key ingredient has proven to be quite effective, namely capsaicin for pain specifically.
Lidocaine injections and even corticosteroids are great for temporary relief.
Surgery is always an option for those with a more permanent solution in mind. Ineffective
treatments sometimes make patients want to be rid of the pain permanently and they
revert to more invasive or extreme medical procedures to get what they want. It can be very
painful and not the right solutions necessarily for everyone. There are also different types
and ranges of surgery, including:
Bone repositioning
fragment removal
Fusing
Replacement
© DiabetesLoophole.com 14
Some Alternative Therapies Also Include:
low level laser therapy for pain reduction
Prolotherapy (proliferative therapy) to fight the inflammation specifically
Radiosynoviorthesis (radioactive isotope) directly injected into the joint
So, how do you deal, cope, live with, manage, overcome and thrive despite arthritis. Most
will describe this attack on their joints as disabling and painful, inflammatory condition,
with substantial loss of mobility It develops over time and is a systemic disease
Dealing effectively with inflammation and soft-tissue swelling of many joints at the same
time (polyarthritis), stiffness and PAIN! are all part of this disorder. You need to take issue in
and through treatment to focus on dealing with erosion and destruction of the joint surface,
which impairs the range of motion, movement and mobility. For most of us, we need to
start taking care early! For most the problems start around between the ages of 40 and 60,
earlier cases and cases in children, young adults and the elderly have also been reported.
The American College of Rheumatology has defined (1987) the following criteria for the
diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis:
Symmetric arthritis
Subcutaneous nodules in specific places
Rheumatoid factor at a level above the 95th percentile
Radiological changes suggestive of joint erosion
Morning stiffness of >1 hour.
Arthritis of hand joints
Arthritis and soft-tissue swelling of >3 of 14 joints/joint groups
At least four criteria have to be met for formal diagnosis. Some other treatments include
minocycline, sometimes combined with clindamycin, diet change, nutritional supplements,
and vigorous exercise, and various other immune-strengthening alternative therapies, such
as acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen, and infra-red sauna are also effective.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics
do not prevent joint damage or slow the disease progression, it enables coping and
diminishing pain.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 15
Another promising drug-therapy is known as anti-cytokine medication, weight loss,
occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, joint injections, and special tools to improve
hard movements, joint replacement surgery, knee or hip replacements for example.
There are two realities of this disease – it will progress throughout your life, develop and
occur at its own pace for each individual and there is PAIN! There are lots however that you
can do to prevent, correct, intervene and relieve your pain.
Regular exercise and carefully controlled diet
Daily routine steps and adjustments that may help lessen the pain and stiffness
associated with arthritic flare-ups.
Eastern and Naturopathic Approaches
.. and many more. It is time to take a closer look at your various treatment Options, ranging
from Prevention, Relief, Surgery and Other self-management tools to deal with your arthritis
and make the pain go away permanently!
Pills And Prescriptions, Medications And Drugs –
Treating From The Inside, Outward
Medications are one way of dealing with the problems at
hand. They do have side-effects and should not be taken
lightly. Counter-indicators and drug-interactions need to
be explored and analgesics may only have limited
effectiveness. Pain management can very easily be your
biggest and main concern with arthritis, as will be your
feelings in coping with what the disease is doing to you.
That component we will get to a little later. Coping, living
through the pain is oftentimes not enough, but the
starting blocks for many with the disorders of the joints
in question here. Regardless of the type of arthritis,
there is help.
There are many reasons people pop a pill or look for OTC
(over-the-counter), prescription medications for pain
relief for arthritis. Here are but a few from published
sources and interviews – You will probably be able to add
quite a few of your own (feel free to do so)…
© DiabetesLoophole.com 16
As a last resort
At least doing something
For immediate relief
For managing the condition
for mild to moderate osteoarthritis
For painkilling mainly
For when the pain is at its worst
Getting rid of discomfort, immobility or lack of movement.
Instant relief, temporary relief
It can be used safely over periods of time without too much risk
Limited dosages
living BETTER with the situation
on doctor’s orders
Self-medication and hands-on self-management of the pain and condition –
feeling empowered and inspired to live with it and not be overwhelmed by it!
severity attacks
to minimize re-occurrence
to reduce inflammation
to treat knee arthritis or osteoarthritis
treats the symptoms
When it starts
So, what are your reasons and rationale for taking/not taking medication for your condition?
That is a personal and individual choice and that is the beauty of it – everyone can pick their
treatment that is MOST suited for them, despite side-effects, they do work for some people
in minimizing their pain.
Topical Treatments You Rub, Apply And Treating
From The Outside, Inward
Mainly coping with symptoms here, yet again highly popular, due to the fact that there are
limited to no side-effects, less risk than with medications per se and introducing foreign,
chemical elements and pharmaceuticals into your system.
Repeated treatments are necessary and it will have to form part of your routines and
lifestyle to be most effective. Some smell, some do not. Some involve heat/cold alternative
therapies and sensory stimulation, some are for sensitive skills, hypo-allergenic, not anti-
inflammatories.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 17
They are available in all sizes, price ranges, application methods, even roll-ons and patches
for ease of use and convenience, transportability and on-hand, on-demand, real-time
application, type relief we so often want and demand when it matters most. At best thought
they only treat the symptom and then only for a limited period of time.
Combination Treatments – Putting Things Together
To Get The Best Results
Combination treatments are when you treat all and every symptom, with many solutions
and options, in a holistic-type, comprehensive manner. Narcotics are often used to deal with
the blocking or fooling of the central nervous system, making your brain think that the pain
is gone, less severe are quite popular. It can be habit-forming though and direly affect your
digestive system if you are not careful with and over prolonged period of time/use.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Deal well with pain, swelling and stiffness, for
temporary relief of symptoms. They cater to the
needs of self-medication and for ranges of the
disorder, from mild to severe cases. Its effects will
not necessarily be immediate and the side-effects
are real, especially on the kidneys and heart.
Drug-interactions are also possible and need to be considered closely. It is not suited
necessarily for everyone. Discuss your options and risks with your doctor, PRIOR to starting
any medication for arthritic purposes.
Corticosteroids are taken orally, or cortisone injections deal with inflammation and swelling,
as well as pain relief, for short-term treatment options. Know what is available, assess your
risk/reward value proposition, cost and educate and empower yourself by knowing what
new research and products are/become available on the market.
Also, make and investment in your health and mobility – do not just submit to a life-long
life-sentence of not being able to capitalize on and count on your joints – use what nature
has given and can give you in and through your body, tapping into its natural functioning
parts (even if they are problematic!), boost your metabolism and try to get more exercise
all-round, without risk of injury.
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Physiotherapy, workouts, hydro-therapy (getting the weight off your joints, while still
working out), customized exercise regimens and tailored fitness classes and home-
workouts, gym-time can all make the difference for you as well. Do everything you can to
avoid joint damage and loss of motion, risk of injury or further degradation, wear and tear.
Get professionals involved to help you make sense of your options to get the most of
strengthening your joints, not weakening or worsening their situation.
Alternating heat/cold applications in various formats are another way, quick and easy, you
can bring relief.
Visco-supplementation, injections, lubrications, cartilage support, surgery and replacements
can all do its part to bring about MORE mobility over time. Whether mainstream,
alternative, holistic or naturalistic, there are many treatment options and iterations of
products available to help you manage and/or relieve pain, temporarily, immediately, over
time, eventually and/or permanently! The choice is up to you in the end on which one will
be most effective for you and your circumstances.
Taking a supplement, eating healthy, elements and nutritional battle-fighters like
Chondroitin Sulfate or Glucosamine, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) symptomatic
treatment, alternative therapies like acupuncture, therapeutic massage, relaxation
techniques, Meditation and visualizing exercises, hypnosis, partnering with multi-faceted,
holistic and naturopathic specialists to find a tailored solution for your arthritis is probably a
good place to start.
You are trying to take control, lessen pain and impact, understand the disorder better, as
well as the functioning of your joints, what hinders/helps to tap into your body and its
strengths to heal itself.
You want to work towards getting
your movement, range of motion,
mobility and independence back.
You want to protect and enable, not
weaken or put at risk, injury or
worsen your joints and condition.
You want to manage and lessen the
PAIN you have to deal with on a
daily basis.
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As you go through trying to come up with a strategy that works best for you, you will in all
likelihood come up with new strategies and methods that work its magic for your particular
case and prognosis, challenges and obstacles. Living a healthy, balanced, more practical life
will also go a long way in making the pain easier to cope with.
Try and also acknowledge and deal with your emotions and feelings, stress and depression
that might rear its ugly head – as this is a substantial part of the disease and disorder that
often goes under-estimated, not emphasized enough and a main cause why people get
frustrated and want to give up, feel overwhelmed and like a victim of a debilitating disease.
You can stop feeling like that; take active roles in the process, treatment and outcome of
your situation YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM, BUT A VICTOR!
You want to lessen pain and get your joints functioning well. That is the rationale and reason
behind what most people want to do once they are diagnosed. They are oftentimes
however at a loss at the HOW to do it!
IT WIL ALL DEPEND UPON YOU. That is the beauty and the challenge. There is no formula or
right or wrong. It is a spectrum of treatment options and available therapies , regimens and
practical lifestyle changes that will give you the optimal effect. IT IS ALSO NOT JUST ABOUT
THE PAIN and REALITIES THEMSELVES WITH THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF ARTHRITIS. There is
MORE here than meets the eye.
Make the most of a few simple steps and combination treatments FOR WHAT YOU NEED -
overcome the problems, obstacles and challenges and half your battle is won with many
little things working together in an orchestrated personalized, action and treatment plan
that tries to cover all the bases.
Make your own mantras, rules and activity levels
Get rest, sleep lots, move when you can and rest when you cannot
Use support devices when you have to
Try some new, existing, topical treatments, those that you know will
help you in the moment, for hours as and when you need them
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Tap into medications, supplements, natural
and home remedies and alternative
therapies, medical interventions, surgeries
and knee replacements options that your
doctor and/or naturopath, fitness and
specialists recommend for your case.
Do things you enjoy!!
DO SOMETHING RATHER THAN NOTHING is
the advice here!
While all the way paying attention to some of
the more hidden aspects of the disorder like
the feelings/emotion, psychological, holistic and even relational complexities and intricacies
that this can bring with it. IT IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST YOUR JOINTS AND FUNCTIONING,
MOVING PARTS! You are a total, whole human being and the condition does not exist
outside of who you are! YOU ARE ALSO NOT DEFINED BY YOUR DISORDER ALONE! THERE IS
MORE AT STAKE – EVERYTHING MATTERS!
Nutritionally eat healthy, get moving and keep on top of what the market and research has
to offer for your disorder and pain relief effectiveness.
Which of the following symptoms are of the greatest
concern for you?
Pain and inflammation
Swelling and stiffness
Loss of range of motion
Malfunction, weakness in joint
Grinding and sounds, cracking when joints move
IT IS TIME TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY, SOME OF
ALL OF THE ABOVE PERTAINS TO YOU AND YOUR
CONDITION! DO NOT DELAY, DO NOT WAIT, DO
NOT DISMISS THE PAIN…ACT NOW, EARLIER
RATHER THAN LATER! IT IS IN YOUR OWN BEST
INTEREST!
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Arthritic Pain Self-Management Action Plans
Everyday will bring a different challenge and level, occurrences, severity and duration of
PAIN. Be ready for whatever it may throw at you. Pain is just not the same everyday and for
every person. That is part of what makes it so difficult to treat effectively. It requires
individualized treatment, adjusted and matched to your needs, desires and specific
problem, manifestation and coping skills!
You are a patient and a person – both there perspectives and realities will affect you as you
deal with joints, pain, moving, others, life and daily tasks!
Focus on pain management, increased mobility as possible, to give you your independence,
life, future, hope…BACK!
reducing pain and swelling
optimal functioning of your moving parts are a top priority
do not let it slide or degrade further
manage the discomforts and PAIN
Exercise and to keep moving (despite the pain) are important aspects of
treatment and living, even pain management too – it might actually help you to
move around, although it will, might be, is extremely painful!
Resting and protecting your joints are also paramount
Get help quickly and speak with your partners in your treatment , even other
patients, family and friends about your disorder, treatment, progress, low and
high points, join an online blog, chat-board and support networks for optimal
success If something does not work, try something else!
Moving is so much part of who we are and pain such a reality with arthritis that you cannot
NOT act! Knees and hips, joints, moving parts can cause trouble for us humans along the
way and our individual paths of life. For every single one of us it is a reality. We take them so
for granted if there is nothing wrong with them. WE regret it the moment we have trouble
with them and experience pain and suffering if they ache, hurt or do not work well! There
are many aspects of this disorder as this short introductory discussion and musing has
clearly unearthed.
Treatments range in character, cost and implications in the short, medium and long-term.
You need to think about ALL THREE OF THESE and MORE! THERE ARE KNEE ARTHRITIS
ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS FOR YOU! It is up to you to find what works best for YOUR
arthritis diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, future and PAIN MANAGEMENT!
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SEVENTY Practical Considerations And Tips For
Dealing With The Pain Of Arthritis And Making The
Pain Disappear
1. Pain is common and it occurs for everyone differently
2. It is the one almost pre-occupation and most prevalent situation, occurrence,
manifestation and reality of this condition
3. Pain (and managing it), is the ONE sure thing you will have in common with
many/most others – which makes it easier to talk about, discuss and share – you do
not have to go down this road alone
4. PAIN IS PERSONAL and UNIQUE – no two people will experience it in the same way –
be sure when you talk to your doctor to be as specific as you can about this! Even
making notes can be helpful, when it starts, where it is, how it feels, how long it
lasts, what brought it on, what made it worse/better – these cues and clues can all
contribute to finding the right treatment and pain management strategy for you and
your arthritis pain
5. PAIN is hard to quantify, but try to wrap your mind around the difference aspects of
it – which joint, where exactly, why you think it is hurting, what it lets you do or not
do for example. Treating and managing pain will also be easier when you understand
it more and better!
6. Causality is not easy to pin-point with arthritis and there is no cure! This is a reality
you will have to accept, YET not be immobilized by it! You can do something about,
with it in your life – do not let is rob you of your mobility, range of motion ,quality of
life, hope joy and future! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!
7. There are multi-faceted factors at play in and with pain with arthritis
8. What works for ONE person, might not be any good for YOU or any other individual!
9. You can find ways for YOU to help manage your pain better – there is always
something else to try or things to do differently to make your life and PAIN more
practical, have less impact and pain, demand on your joints and LIVE!
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10. You need to know the extent and severity of the joint damage – not only a diagnosis,
formally by a medical practitioner, but also a firm prognosis and treatment plan, will
leave you feeling empowered as opposed to in the throes of despair. Also, have
them look at any at-risk areas and surrounding tissue etc. where things might get
worse over time, causing MORE pain!
11. Even if you feel like NOT moving around to NOT experience the pain, MOVE!! Your
body is designed to do it! If not, it will kick into protection mode and even build up
more fluids, trying to protect the joint, or at risk area, making it even MORE painful.
It could be one of the reasons for your pain. Make your body and its functioning
parts, processes and elements, components YOUR FRIEND, ALLIES and NOT YOUR
ENEMY!
12. Make getting rest an absolute priority and make it count, look after your whole
body, not just your knee, hip or arthritic hot-spots!
13. Try to keep your emotions/feelings in check – this is often ignored by patients as we
all want to believe that we can cope effectively with whatever life tends to throw at
us – including immobilizing, debilitating diseases/disorders.
14. Minimize personal, professional and disorder-related, stress, angst, emotional
extremes, anger, fear, frustrations, depression, hopelessness, demoralizing,
deconstructive self-talk!
15. Talk to others and communicate frequently with your treatment team and partners
on progress, hurdles, effective or not so effective regimens and solutions and try and
pursue new or adjusted ones that work and last for you!
16. Know that pain can come from many places, vary from day to day, time of day,
severity, intensity, duration, can be in more than one place, be caused by many
things and not even have a clear cause – just be a PAINFUL reality that has to be
dealt with effectively, swiftly and on an on-going basis, positive attitude and a PLAN!
YOUR PLAN!
17. Pain management and reduction will be up to you to be most effective. You are the
one choosing which therapies and remedies to apply and partake of.
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18. Exercises that both strengthen and relax the muscles and joints need to be done in
moderation and alternated for optimal results. Consult your medical practitioners
and fitness professional, even rehabilitation specialists and physiotherapists,
massage niche providers to assist you with a balanced pain management treatment
plan.
19. Reduce the demands you place on your joints and body through practical
adjustments to your lifestyle *to test the practicality of this for example – count how
many times in an hour you actually BEND over, bend down, reach, jump, lunge,
stretch or use your hips, knees, joints – YOU WILL BE SURPRIZED! Try to make the
most of how you can use what you have and not get too caught up in what you
cannot do!
20. Identify, understand and cope with the demands and restrictions, range of motion
that you do have, avoiding things that can aggravate your pain and suffering.
21. Set up a pain-management journal, plan and log for yourself . This can be a handy
and most effective treatment and communication tool for you and your medical
practitioner to use in your treatment and management of your pain on an on-going
basis, while actually making and seeing some progress (or not!), finding alternatives
and tracking the effectiveness of certain therapies and interventions.
22. Be and eat healthy, the right foods, right portions, frequent , smaller meals, control
weight
23. Find out all you can about your medications, treatments and how to optimize them,
risks, side-effects, contra-indicators, problems, limitations, risk/reward. Then, only
decide which is the best option or strategy for you for your pain management.
24. Implement small pain management steps throughout your day, week and life and
deal with it with patience and grace, motivated and positive attitude.
25. Use cognitive, positive suggestions, mantras and power of the mind over matter, to
deal with pain, tapping into your pain receptors, brain-power to ‘heal’ and cope
better with your body and its moving parts as well as your whole body, well-being.
You are one functioning and wonderful whole – do not dismiss the opportunity and
effectiveness, role YOU can play in dealing with pain. Sometimes it is mind over
matter!
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26. Make relaxing the muscles of your body a top priority, reduce stress, reduce PAIN –
it is that simple – like a chain of command of sorts! You can take control through
processes like medication, relaxation, stress-reduction, visualization and more to
take more control over your condition and PAIN!
27. Thoughts and feelings are part of this condition and realities and can be positive or
negatively affecting you even as you read here! How to you feel and what are you
thinking about your condition? Is it positive or negative? Do you believe you are
getting better and/or fear getting worse? Relieve pain and suffering through positive
thought and self-speak, focus and mental agility.
28. You are also a bio-electric being with your own energy-signatures and dynamics –
you are truly unique. Many believe and advocate that you yourself have within you
the power, knowledge and answers to cope with pain effectively. They point to
survivalist instincts kicking in when we need it most and then wondering why we
suddenly forget about these, ignore or downplay their effectiveness when we need it
every day, coping with pain and relieving our suffering due to joint issues and
problems.
29. There are different paths to joint health, dealing with overcoming and making the
most of your arthritis situation, condition and challenges. Choose the one that is
most-suited, affordable, low risk, best reward type therapies and treatment.
30. Give every treatment or strategy a fair run or hearing, be open-minded enough to try
new things out, at least for two weeks and at least for 20 minutes every day for a
length of period to really know if it will be helpful to manage your pain.
31. Find practical ways in and around your home, work and life to apply every technique
and path of remedy you choose. Mix and match the solutions into a fine-tuned
strategy that makes pain manageable and/or even make/have it disappear or at the
very least, you being less obsessed, aware and not being affected by it in your daily
life as much.
32. Build better joint habits, posture, making moving a priority and moving, sitting,
walking, running, reaching RIGHT and BETTER top priority for you.
33. Relaxation of your different muscle groups in a deliberate fashion can yield great
result too. Less tense, they cause less pain in and to the affected areas.
34. NEVER LOSE HOPE with your arthritis or feel too overwhelmed to ask for help.
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35. Getting over-exerted, fatigued, run-down or tired is NOT A GOOD STRATEGY AT ANY
TIME FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS! Get rest, take breaks, sleep well and longer,
deeper and wake up refreshed to face another day. Sometimes taking it an hour at a
time, day at a time is good advice! Do not try to move too many mountains or build
too many ROME’s in one day!
36. Breathing exercises, paced breathing, focused breathing, even yoga can help. You
are infusing your body with oxygen, filling muscles and circulatory systems with
much-needed power and means to function at their best. Refresh, cleanse and ease
discomfort.
Manage your pain symptoms with deep breathing techniques for about two weeks
and see if it makes any difference for how your feel in the moment, afterwards as
the pain subsides. Most patients report feeling empowered by the hint that they can
control how their body responds to and deals with pain.
37. Guided imagery, visualization, meditative states and journey’s are other ways for you
to explore how to tap into your body and mind’s respective and combined strengths,
helping your get a better handle on reality, pain and how you feel and cope with and
about it.
38. The art of distraction does not only work on kids! (Ask parents they will tell you it is a
highly effective technique, even for disciplining, reward, nagging, bed-time or more
to get cooperation, calm etc.!) It is also great on adults. YET, we rarely use it! If you
feel pain taking over, try and focus your mind on something else deliberately, trick
your brain into getting away from the pain stimulus-response loops! IT is easy and
costs nothing! ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN DO AND USE IT.
39. Self-talk, reflection, even visualizing and claiming feeling healthy, better, can lift your
spirits and have you address the realities of your pain BETTER! You are not wishing or
praying it away, just realizing that you have choice to react differently to the PAIN
itself and what it is doing to you, your life, your mobility and MORE.
40. Heat and cold, massage, stroking, kneading, rubbing, professional therapy and even
physio can all relieve all levels of pain, from mild, moderate to severe and extreme –
caution should be exercise not to harm or worsen, risk injury – consult a professional
on how best to implement and proceed with this one!
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41. How you sleep, sit, ergonomics have lots to offer, the type of bed, sleeping position
you hold change during the night, support pillows, the softness/harness, how new or
old your mattress, cushions, chairs are can all make things better or worse – this one
is up to you. Focus on the environmental and contextual factors that can help you
rather than hinder you or make joint pain worse. Get a foot-stool if you work in-front
of the computer all day, a recliner for watching TV (heat/massage), warm-water
bottle and comfortable blanket, support pillow for work, home and car etc.
42. Break the pain spiral and cycle if you can! Be active, over inactive, eat well, over
poorly, stay positive and keep hopeful, deal with negative, difficult emotions,
realities, feelings and response, relax tense muscles and do not allow the pain and
disease to dictate your days and life any longer or at all.
43. Surround yourself with activities and people that you enjoy and do not make your
pain and disease the main focus of your being and life. Interesting hobbies, friends,
socializing, over isolation, loneliness and being with and aware of your condition
24/7/365 can be a breath of fresh air!
44. Get the help you need, can afford and know will give you the most/best bang for
your treatment buck!
45. Review your medications and treatment plan from time to time and keep on top of
your condition, get progress reports, journal your thoughts, feelings and more and
discuss this with your medical practitioner, partners and treatment team(s),
including casting the net wider than your GP!
46. Cut down on bad, poor habits like too much alcohol, smoking and nutritionally
unhealthy foods.
47. Reward yourself for getting through a day or reaching a goal, share stories of
success, pain and failure, recovery and hope with others, volunteer and share your
experience with fellow-sufferers, volunteers, online chat-groups.
48. Realize that there are connections between pain and your mood or how you feel
about things, yourself, the pain, your condition…
49. Make mobility a top priority and precious commodity in your life, yet not obsess
about losing or fear not having it. Focus on what you can do, get better, structure
and organize your surroundings, home and life around enabling yourself, practical
and not hurdles to overcome, leaving your powerless, helpless, feeling despair!
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50. Move through and with the pain – BUT MOVE! Yes, even when it hurts, really hurts!
Look and feel good and better and the pain will be less on your mind as you go about
your day and business. Focus on something else besides just the pain, your hip,
knees or arthritis.
51. Exercise to loosen stiff or even lazy, inflamed or unused muscles – they can be the
very cause or at the very least a contributing factor to the pain that you are feeling.
52. Minimize flare-ups by being active on a daily, regular basis.
53. Do not hold out with pain, if you do not have to. Discuss options and decide what
you will take/do when pain strikes. Having a plan is half the battle. Being prepared
and somewhat pro-active, rather than just passively responding will greatly enable
your life and mobility.
54. Getting and being tired are not friends of this condition, so ensure that you get the
rest, sleep and relaxation that you need, despite your fast-paced, priority-filled life,
especially working moms/dads!
55. Avoid inactivity, fatigue, bad/poor nutrition, skipping meals, taking on too much, and
schedule down-time, gym-time and YOU-time! Conserve and manage your energy
effectively and you will benefit more from it in those painful moments when it will
count and make all the difference in the world.
56. Watch for side-effects of medications or reactions, responses to treatment and
therapy that might not be helping you, but making you feel worse – avoid, adjust or
change it.
57. Stay hydrated, get enough fiber in your diet and ensure optimal nutrients to give
your body a fighting chance.
58. Strengthen your immune system and take supplements to ensure you get all the
nutrients that your body requires from different sources (especially when you feel
lousy, do not have an appetite, suffering from intense or sever pain).
59. Be involved in your treatment, choose your medical team closely and discuss any
issues, concerns, inquiry, questions, research, products, treatments and therapies
with them all. Get second opinions, baseline, test, investigate, partner, communicate
and discuss, making every visit and consultation, results and follow-up count.
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60. Do not only focus on medicines that reduces pain and inflammation, ask about safety
and alternatives, relief, results, trails and evidence – learn and explore new
therapies, products and breakthroughs with caution, skepticism, safety and assess
your risk, interactions and responses to medications BEFORE adding or starting any
new meds.
61. Realize that inflammation of the joints is both the condition and your body’s natural
way of dealing with a problem. It is part of your healing process and secret as well!
Do not just leave it up to anti-inflammatories to work the trick and magic! There
might be MORE to getting results that work and last!
62. Depending on the type of arthritis that you have, your strategy and treatment
will/may vary from others, over time etc. NO TWO TREATMENT PLANS ARE, WILL
AND SHOULD BE THE SAME! What is good for the goose (one patient/individual),
might in this case, NOT be so good for the gander (other patient/YOU?!)!!
63. Pain-reducing drugs should not be your fall-back position – they are risky and can be
addictive, do not solve anything and put you in jeopardy or at risk long-term. You do
not want to mask or cover symptoms, that might be tell-tale signs of what exactly is
wrong, happening or keeping you from real treatment that might actually help
relieve the pain, through different channels and options.
Suppressing pain is no solution anytime! You might actually be causing MORE harm
than good! Tolerance and side-effects, even dependence may also develop from
prolonged use with associated risks.
64. Medications and pain management tools are not to be crutches or supports alone,
they are enablers of your life, mobility and health – they assist you being
independent, functioning, happy and healthy BUT they are not the only things you
have at your disposal to deal, cope and get rid of pain and the demands that Arthritis
places on your life.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HAVE A DIFFERENT APPROACH, realistic,
feasible, affordable, practical and individualized to making the pain more
manageable, go away, be less severe etc.
65. Pain killers like Darvon, Darvocet, Codeine, Percodan, Demerol can help you manage
the symptoms and pain associated with arthritis, as can some natural alternatives of
which there are numerous products and combinations on the market.
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66. Some arthritis sufferers also swear by tranquilizers, muscle and spasm relaxants,
even anti-depressants to help them cope with all aspects of the condition, including
pain, depression and more. Joint-injections and lubrication, as well as alternative
medicines can add great value to this equation as well. ALWAYS INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OF ALL MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS, OTC DRUGS that you are taking.
67. What to do if all else fails and surgery is the only option? Educate, inform,
investigate, research, get the best surgeon and team, you can afford and muster in
your area, type of operation, treatment and intervention, effectiveness, pre and
post-operative rehabilitation, realities, risks, repeat or additional surgeries
throughout your lifetime, type of problem and arthritis you have, match and
suitability of the procedure for your case, replacement or augmentation, repair,
installation, resection, fusion, back, hip or knee surgery or all of the above?!
68. not all Arthritis treatments and products, alternatives and therapies are created
equal. It will be up to you to find the best, reliable, affordable ones and THOSE THAT
ACTAULLY WORK! BEWARE THE SNAKE-OILS!
69. Critically evaluate and investigate claims of healing arthritis for good with X, Y or Z,
without questioning the source, track record, research, trials, experiments,
successes and failures rates, does the product and/or results apply to you and your
condition, situation, diagnosis and prognosis, PAIN? In other words, will it work for
you – what is the probability of it?
70. Effectiveness of any one treatment or therapy does not happen in a vacuum. Are the
other contributing or enabling factors to consider as well? Risk, danger and harm,
contra-indicators, drug-interactions, cost and expense? How accessible and
practically viable is the treatment for ME?
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Personal Arthritic Customized Solutions That Work
And Last
These and more insights are to be found and formulated as the battle against and through
arthritis continue. It does not however have to take over, control your life, mobility, health,
well-being and future!
You too can effectively live, cope, overcome joint pain and related conditions associated
with this commonplace disorder. It is about more than aging and the fear of losing your
independence. Your body and mind has lots to offer that you might not even have
considered up to now. There is comprehensive and detailed information both in print and
online to assist you in your quest of managing pain, discomfort, inconvenience and
debilitating aspects of arthritis.
Regardless of your type, age, techniques for pain management, medications, remedies,
gadgets, aides and tools, levels and nature or support, YOU CAN GET THROUGH ARTHRITIS!
You can overcome and live with, even make the pain more tolerable, less front-of-mind,
even disappearing as you focus on getting better, living your life and effectively self-manage
your pain and all the layered dynamics of your arthritic condition.
So, To Recap:
There are numerous sources and practitioners available to help and assist you . The onus
and responsibility, choice and attitude all being and end with you. There is no cure, no
formula, no one-size fits all type solutions for arthritis, no miracle element that will make it
go away – that is the bad news, but also the key to unlocking the secrets of your success
making pain disappear.
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PAIN is the ONE symptom that you can and will assuredly be subjected to while suffering
from arthritis. Just ask any patient, young, old, man, female, gray-haired or child –ARTHRITIC
PAIN = REAL! Undeniably part of your life, you can do something about it.
There are tried and trusted methods of dealing with pain. Tap into all disciplines and fields
to get the most from coping with the challenges, obstacles and realities of arthritis,
including the pain management aspect of it. Medicine, science and alternative therapies all
have lots to offer in terms of suggestions, proven results – it is up to you to sift through
these and work systematically, fact-based to find the most effective treatment(s) for your
condition, situation and circumstance. If it sounds like self-help, in a sense it is. You can and
will be guided by medical and other professional practitioners, but in the end, the choice is
still yours.
You need to really understand the body, how it functions, the nature of a joint, human
system, pain and pain relief, in order to select the best possible most effective treatment.
Do not underestimate the pain and aches you are suffering in the here and now – do not
dismiss, delay or ignore it – it will and can only get worse, so act with urgency and
immediacy as early detection and intervention is BETTER in most cases.
Often the rule of thumb might not apply to you. Your situation, joint, degradation,
prognosis, diagnosis and means of recovery, treatment plan will be just that YOURS!
Arthritis is an individual affliction, unique to you, but it will affect your whole life, including
your personal and professional, even relational and social life and well-being… that is if you
let it! PAIN IS REAL FOR EVERYONE, how we each respond, very much up to each of us.
In no means, way, shape or form is this
musing intended to replace medical science,
opinion and /or treatment. It can offer
insights, advice and care options that others
have used, pain management suggestions
and recommendations, therapies, products
and remedies out there, facts, exercises or
techniques to try and experiment with,
under supervision and guidance of a
physician or medical practitioner, partner
and team for the optimal results of course.
Tools to assist you and your doctor the best
they can in coming up with as many ways,
THE BEST WAY for you to make your
arthritis pain disappear FOR GOOD!
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Do not fear or be debilitated by the pain any longer or at all! You can live and get through it,
make it less or even disappear from your radar altogether with a combination, customized
treatment action plan and therapy program that fits, matches and addresses your needs,
goals, aspirations, frustrations and hopes!
This is about more than getting older, and aging degenerative disorder to subject to and give
into quietly as it gains ground in your life, taking what is rightfully yours, mobility and
freedom, independence…quality of life?! NO MORE! NO LONGER! You do not have to
become MORE dependent on others.
You can structure your environment such that you can function more practically, with less
impact on your joints, eat healthier and look out for yourself, minimize risk of injury,
progression in the wrong direction, aggravating factors, things that hinder/help your
condition, use the power of your mind, emotions, mood, imagination, creativity, attitude
and resourcefulness to battle this tough opponent any day, every day!
Know where and how arthritis attacks, plan to curb and ruin your life and then take counter-
measures and action to minimize these and manage the pain that is associated with joint-
related arthritis. There are over 120 types and manifestations of arthritis and we can
assuredly not address every single one here.
Problems with your joints might also spread wider that just that, including, muscles,
tendons, surrounding tissue, ligaments, cartilage and MORE. All kinds and levels of pain and
stiffness, swelling, discomfort, grinding, aching, stinging, redness might very well be part of
your condition (or not) IT will vary from person to person.
In this disorder, there is something wrong with both part and whole! You are so much more
than the mere sum-total of your different parts (in this case your moving, mobility or
movement-type parts!) Arthritis is about MORE than joint illness and the fear of loss of
mobility.
Each type and iteration, manifestation of arthritis is different and requires different
interventions and treatments. It has many faces, names and disguises, even distant relatives
that make their way onto the scene! If you pick the best, most effective self-managed action
plan to cope, live with, overcome and triumph over your Arthritis, you can take your
diagnosis and prognosis into account, PRIOR to opting for the BEST treatment. This will
serve your purpose, process and outcome well/BETTER!
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There are THREE major types of arthritis that is commonplace and increasing in incidence
and diagnosis. They are: Rheumatoid arthritic, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Here again, are just some of the things you can expect to happen to you or that you might
experience, with some or any of these conditions. The PAIN will be ever-present, come and
go and require on-going management.
Inflammation of synovial membranes
Fluid build up
Bone-destruction
Damage to ligaments
Tendon breakdown or damage
Cartilage problems
Joint capsule issues
Degeneration of cartilage, bone
Growths (abnormal)
Bone spurs
Sleep disturbances
Prolonged painful muscle contractions
Anywhere on the body, one spot, more, hot and tender spots, like wrist, knees,
knuckles, one or both sides, hands, feet, extremities, back, hips
Swelling
Redness, warmth and sensations of discomfort
Stiffness, malfunction
Aches and pains
Morning stiffness
Fatigue
Less or more aggressive over time
Deformities
Less or more pain, coming and going, morning, evening, exertion or rest (after)
Immobility
Disability
Lack of independence, dependence on others
Disabling pain and fatigue
… and many more!
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Effective Treatments And Pain Management
Science
When it does come effective treatments and pain management science, there are lots
available and proven already, with more being discovered each year and even as we speak,
as we continue to unravel the mystery and puzzle that this illness, part of the human
condition and associated arthritic problems introduces into our lives, realities and future.
It has challenges, obstacles and fears, uncertainties, risks, rewards and short, medium AND
long-term implications for our health and well-being.
Your focus can not only be on PAIN, but it is an important aspect of your overall treatment if
you have any hope in GETTING BETTER! Your target should be (depending on the type and
severity, onset, duration, location etc.) to:
Diagnose, identify and treat (treating and managing it right and FOR YOU!)
Getting personally-tailored advice and treatment that works and lasts
Reduce the inflammation, solve the problem, and not merely treat symptoms
Balance your life, eat well, exercise, be active, get, keep , maintain and control your weight,
BMI, relax, alternate heat/cold, apply topical treatments, take meds, natural supplements,
treatments, pharmaceuticals, naturo-chemicals, bio-treatments, even surgery if that is what
is called for to heal, better, cope and/or make the pain go away NOW, later, immediately,
over time, for good!
It is your priority and responsibility to move and stay active, despite pain – the body is/has
been designed to be on the move for optimal functioning.
We need to champion and protect these functioning and mobility related aspects,
components, protecting our joints, even getting rest when needed! OA or RA brings to mind
fear and pictures of disability, fear of loss of mobility and images of suffering and PAIN. BUT,
it does not have to be so.
At first, when diagnosed you might feel somewhat overwhelmed by it all. This is natural. As
you set out trying to find the best treatment, your frustrations and questions may multiply
with little answers. It is up to you to find the most/best treatment plan as there is no cure
per se. You need to start looking out for yourself and your own interests right away.
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Use your common sense, get the best
practitioners, science, meds and
answers on your side, adjust your
thinking, attitude and be positive,
rather than negative, balanced and
realistic rather then obsessive and
feeling helplessly depressed and
overwhelmed, not able to do
anything, which would really be the
tragedy! Realize and embrace that
there is HOPE … and you are a piece
of that solution!
It is essential that you start doing
things right away and a little
differently than before. You cannot
undo all the harm and degradation,
but you can avoid more, worsening starting NOW! Use your logic as to what will help and
hinder you. If you can bend, reach, stretch less, by making small changes in and around your
life, home, car, work etc. then by all means do so.
If you can tap into aides and supports, do it. Learn and understand more, ask and discover
new ways, from others, from science, other disciplines, what helped others, what did not,
where to spend your treatment dollar and time, effort and energy… make mobility and
movement your top priority in all you do, not obsessively, but almost as if it is second
nature. Replace bad habits with good/better ones over time.
For many sufferers the main problem is the complexity of making the symptoms, in this case
the PAIN go away! Observations and sharing of the pain is subjective, oftentimes not
quantifiable by the science and metrics, current procedures that we have in place.
Procedures and treatments do not work equally for all, increasing the frustration on both
sides of the spectrum. Drugs do not always help and the pain is undeniably real – this can all
cause big problems, even ending up worsening the condition and overall well-being of the
patient and effectiveness of the treatment.
As you set out dealing effectively with the pain that arthritis has introduced into your life,
you will find yourself scouring through research, gathering information, making decision,
trying things out, changing treatments, drugs, therapies and the hunt is on for what works
for you. That journey is not predictably and the outcome even less certain and finite. Yet, we
keep on going… there are answers and solutions for each of us – we just need to find our
niche and know what works for us, then DO IT!
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Advice is just that – recommendations, diagnosis, prognosis treatment… it all sounds easy
and simple enough, but more times than not it is MORE complex than that. There are many
problems and challenges with living with arthritis, PAIN is the most prevalent. Learn and
practice, refine and apply your own plan of /for action for managing and dealing with it,
relieving and overcoming it in and for your life, now, tomorrow, for the future and for good!
Answers and solutions will vary and come over time… all the best to you in your quest!
Practical Suggestions To Minimize PAIN In Your Life
Due To Arthritis And Related Conditions
Make it a top priority for you, to not just be focusing on the pain itself and what your
condition afflicts you with or have you unable to do, suffering, but also and specifically,
practically…
Working With Arthritis and ways to minimize pain, demand on your joints,
muscles and surrounding areas, systems and functioning parts – taking care of
the whole and individual components
Time Management, scheduling and deliberate pacing
Joint Protection (low/less to no impact type structures, activities and
environments)
Housework, cooking and cleaning strategies that promote joint health and
mobility safe-keeping
Grooming / Dressing / Bathing that enables movement, not increase the pain!
Gardening – NO BENDING! And tools that can minimize impact
Feng Shui, organization, ergonomics, layout, design, function and decorating
interior, living and working spaces
Driving / Car Travel
Aides, supports, equipment, assistive devices
Focusing deliberately on things that can make your quality of life BETTER, through:
Optimizing on and capitalizing your own energy (conservation and expenditure)
Joint preservation AND joint protection
Pain relief – making PAIN disappear for good!
Maintaining your independence
Achieving BETTER functioning and mobility
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Alleviate problems with daily activities, such as
- walking
- standing
- sitting
- reaching
- holding
- grasping
- driving
- dressing
- climbing stairs
- carrying
Explore all kinds, channels and combination therapies that are helpful to you, like:
Natural, holistic. Alternative Pain Remedies
Pain Relief Gadgets
Nature, treatment and Arthritis Pain self-management
Pain Research, findings and new treatments
Biofeedback
Painkillers
Exercise
Pet Therapy
Hypnosis / Hypnotherapy
Relaxation / Meditation
Joint Protection
Topical Pain Relief
Massage Therapy
Ultrasound Treatments
Medical Marijuana
Warm Water Therapy
Music Therapy
OTC Pain Relievers
Yoga
… And many MORE!
© DiabetesLoophole.com 41
Thirty-Three More Insights For Success With Arthritic
Pain And Management Of Your Condition, Lifestyle
And Future!
1. Make preventing future problems and pain a priority as well.
2. Minimize impact on your joints and the areas that you know cause pain and
problems for you by using them less, better or not at all (which is probably not
good!). Move and utilize your moving parts, with moderation and without risk of
injury or further degradation, damage.
3. Use your body and moving parts as it was meant to be used. Avoid undue,
unnecessary or demand on your joints and surrounding areas.
4. Get tasks done effectively with the least amount of effort to conserve energy and to
keep the impact on your joint minimal.
5. Use your muscles and joints as far as possible for what you need most during the
day.
6. Reduce any, all stress on/of your muscles, joints and avoid fatigue if you can. Rest
often *even when cleaning the house, doing chores or preparing meals. Alignment
and posture definitely matters a whole lot! This is one sure way to protect your
joints. Limit stretching to and beyond capacity, reaching, lunging etc.
You have often heard of lift with your legs, bend properly and right when picking up
heavy objects… maybe your grandmother even told you to straighten your back,
push out your chest and walk properly, proudly – she did you a huge favor, which
you will benefit MORE from if you stick to it! The advice is solid and it works
wonders!
7. Minimize activities and strain (typing, knitting, grasping, clutching, sorting with
fingers) or related movements that are repetitive and small movements causing
stiffness in your hands for example.
8. Canes, walking sticks, walkers, aides and devices can be extremely helpful, not just
for the elderly, but to minimize the impact when walking, a quirky eccentric trick
perhaps, but your health, joints and future will thank you!
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9. Cushioned support when sitting, driving, traveling is also important and an
ergonomic chair can also do wonders to relieve pain, if sitting at work.
10. Distribute weight, avoid carrying heavy things, long, far distances placing extra strain
on your back, legs and joints for that matter.
11. Carry things closer to your body and prevent stiffness, contractions for prolonged
periods of time.
12. Plan your day and tasks carefully
13. Be efficient at what you put where, what you do when, multi-tasking and not over-
stretching yourself
14. Organize your environment to minimize impact on your joints – make it functional
and pain-care-free and friendly.
15. REST often!
16. Use handles, extenders, wheels, lightweight objects, alternatives and larger grab-
hold surfaces, convenience and personal appliances and helpful tools to cut down on
repetitive tasks that can take their toll on your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments,
cartilage and MORE!
17. Use your joints appropriately and sparingly – they have to last a lifetime!
18. Coordinate your movements, do some thai-chi
19. Velcro over buttons, elastics over cuffs, zippers and/or other closures for clothing
and dressing
20. Comfortable shoes, supports, insoles, that fit well and provide comfort, support and
function you need and demand
21. Find ways in the bathroom , kitchen, entertainment areas and events, bedroom,
cooking, taking care of your kids, food preparation, kitchen layout, cleaning, laundry,
driving, traveling that makes sense for you and your condition.
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22. When working, alternate sitting and standing, walking around, avoid running and
skipping stairs while in a hurry as you risk potential injury for example. BE SMART
with your back, hip and knees, realizing that you get one set and they have to last
you for life (ok, almost!).
23. Make it another priority to not only manage PAIN, but also to live a healthy/
healthier life all-round! Your joints will also benefit from things like cardio-workouts,
core and strength training, building muscles, flexibility activities, swimming etc.
24. Enable your muscles and joints to take more to an extent! Without over-=exertion
and with protection in mind, exercise to strengthen your body all-round, including
your joints, to absorb more shock and take more punch if and when they have to.
25. If you stretch often and move a lot, your body will automatically be a little MORE
flexible and agile, which will only count in your favor when you are in pain, trying to
relax aching muscles and joints, resting or just trying to get better!
26. Improved circulation due to increased activity can also do its part to help the body
use what it has got from nature. This will even bring some swelling down and reduce
tender and soreness associated with this disorder as a bonus.
27. Protect your joints and increase your energy should be your two key goals when it
comes to fitness and related activity to get better and manage your arthritic pain
more and better, for longer, for good!
28. Warm up and cool down properly as to not risk further injury and pain to your joints.
Take it slow at first and at your pace, comfort zone and do not over-exert yourself.
29. Be careful, utilize safety first methods, avoid slip and falls if at all possible.
30. Keep your movements slow, calculated and not jerky, causing shock and demand on
your joints.
31. IF YOU FEEL MORE PAIN while exercising or doing a specific activity STOP!
32. How to BEST take care of yourself, when trying to rid your body, life and future of
the debilitating effects and pain of arthritis starts with having a plan, any plan is
better than NO PLAN, direction, purpose, goal, target, steps etc.
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33. Have a goal, direction, target and purpose in mind – what do I want, What do I want
to accomplish? How am I not going to the arthritic pain get the better of me? What
long-term goal(s) do I have, can I formulate to help me deal with arthritic PAIN and
the realities I am facing – walking down the aisle, playing a sport I love despite my
condition, diagnosis or prognosis for example in 3, 6 or 12 months from now?
** NOTE: Pg 120-196 in THE ARTHRITIS HELPBOOK (see reference listing for details) lists
numerous exercise routines, workouts, tips and recommendations to help you manage your
pain and arthritis better through structured activities, tailored exercise for optimal results
and peak performance, agility, flexibility, endurance, relaxation, overall fitness, all-body,
parts-type workouts that can work its magic for you. Space here eludes us to elaborate
MORE.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 46
Final Tips For Healthier, Pain-Free, Arthritic Lifestyle
Recommendations And Situations:
Set plans and steps to get you around and where-ever there is where you are
planning to go, trying to get to – one building block at a time and eat away at the
elephant of treatment options, choices, variety, disciplines, therapies, remedies
and MORE
Take control of the pain and understand it better, which in turn will help you
manage whatever this condition and life might throw at you
Lessen the impact of the pain on your life and functioning
Find alternative ways to do things, to avoid pain, lessen aggravating behavior or
demanding, challenging environments and activities
What is causing the pain exactly and how can/would you best cope with it now,
and on an on-going basis
What makes the pain feel much, somewhat worse, or not at all?
What for me, blocks, suppresses, or makes the pain go away? What can I live
with, what are the risks, rewards, trade-offs, side-effects, prolonged use
implications of this course of action, treatment, product, medication etc.
How does my body, joints, control and deal with pain best and how can I
optimize it?
Easing the chronic pain associated with arthritis, is not easy task. It will be with you for as
long as you suffer the condition and symptoms. Find more about arthritis do and do not
type advice, at:
http://www.arthritis.org/
http://edition.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/AR/00029.html .
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/
Also a great suggested reading is the book by Kate Lorig and James F. Fries entitled THE
ARTHRITIS HELPBOOK, A Self-management Program For Coping With Arthritis and
Fibromyalgia.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 47
Other great sources of information and useful links appear below and at the back of this
text, as well as a timeline to better understand how arthritis developed over and through
the ages (taken from online sources). These all serve and bode well as well as reflects on the
growing body of knowledge there is to be had on this condition. You will be sure to find
many more!
Who knows…You and YOUR pain solution(s), might just push open the windows of our
understanding that much further… so go ahead, share your insights and wisdoms, key
learning, pitfalls, successes and disappointments, progress and BETTER HEALTH, PAIN
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM with others the world over and pass it on…
Here are some more recent publications that might also help you manage your arthritic
pain that much better, faster, more effectively, finding a solution that is right for you NOW,
HERE, TODAY, NEXT WEEK, MONTH, IN A YEAR FROM NOW… FOR GOOD!
Conquering Arthritis: What Doctors Don't Tell You Because They Don't Know: 9
Secrets I Learned the Hard Way by Barbara D. Allan Shining Prairie Flower
Productions; 1ST edition (August 1, 2002) ISBN-10: 0971889708
ISBN-13: 978-0971889705
How to Eat Away Arthritis: Gain Relief from the Pain and Discomfort of Arthritis
Through Nature's Remedies by Laurie M. Aesoph Prentice Hall Press; Rev Exp
edition (October 4, 1996) ISBN-10: 013242892X ISBN-13: 978-0132428927
Arthritis, What Exercises Work: Breakthrough Relief For The Rest Of Your Life,
Even After Drugs & Surgery Have Failed by Dava Sobel , Arthur C. Klein Publisher:
St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (June 15, 1995) ISBN-10: 0312130252 , ISBN-
13: 978-0312130251
Other Helpful Arthritis Resources and Online Links
www.wikipedia.org
http://arthritisinsight.com/resources/
National Office of the Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
404-872-7100
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Arthritis Answers: 800-283-7800
www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/institutes/imha
Canadian Institute of Health Research-Musculoskeletal & Arthritis
www.arthritis.ca
Canadian Arthritis Society's national website on arthritis and related conditions
www.rheumatology.hss.edu
Site of the Hospital for Special Surgery (Orthopaedics and Rheumatology), New York focuses
on musculoskeletal disease pathogenesis, research, clinical presentations and optimal
treatment
www.arthritis.org
Arthritis Foundation of America's site on arthritis, exercise, surgery, drugs, alternatives and
supplements
www.arthritisinsight.com
A non-profit American organization of online arthritis sufferers.
www.arc.org.uk
Arthritis Research site in UK
www.creakyjoints.com
This site is full of humor and support for people with all kinds of arthritis-related illnesses.
www.mayoclinic.com
A broad site with information on various forms of arthritis, medications, and living with
arthritis.
www.nlm.nih.gov
USA National Library of Medicine has enormous database. Select Consumer Health to get to
Medline Plus.
www.immunesupport.com
A site devoted to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue syndrome.
www.hopkins-arthritis.org
An educational site focused on arthritis and related diseases.
© DiabetesLoophole.com 49
Arthritis Associations
www.cbi.ca
www.canadianpainsociety.ca
www.lupuscanada.org
www.mefmaction.net
www.osteoporosis.ca
www.scleroderma.ca
www.arthritis.ca
Arthritis – Abbreviations Page
AS
Ankylosing Spondylitis
ASA
Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
DMARD
Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug
FMS
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
JA
Juvenile Arthritis
JRA
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
NSAID
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug
OA
Osteoarthritis
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OTC
Over the Counter
RA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
SLE
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Arthritis – A Fascinating Tale Through Time
A time-line and history for arthritic pain and evidence that it plagued and continues to
challenge us, not having figured out all the pieces of the puzzle as yet, finding some pieces
as we go along, filing gaps and hopefully dealing effectively with pain, even to the point
where we can make it disappear FOR GOOD, from our horizon, realities, life and future!
• circa (c.) 85,000,000 BC Dinosaurs and ankle osteoarthritis (OA) in Brussels
• c. 1,000,000 BC – Kangaroos in Australia show signs of primary OA in their
legs/bones
• c. 30,000 – 28,000 BC Neanderthal hu-man, secondary arthritis due to injury and
daily wear and tear on the bones and joints
• c. 4500 BC American Indians (Tennessee) show signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
This is the earliest known appearance of the disease.
• c. 3000 BC –Mummified remains, ice-age man, medicinal herbs as well as
arthritic joints
• c. 2590 BC – Egyptian mummies with signs of arthritis.
• c. 700 – 300 BC –Biblical references in various passages describeing the afflictions
of arthritis or perhaps even fibromyalgia.
• c. 500 BC – Ground willow bark or salicin discovered leading later to discover and
development of acetylsalicylic acid – or aspirin.
• c. 400 BC –Hippocrates’ medical texts, joint ailments, like gout mentioned
• c. 50 BC – Famous Julius Caesar born with arthritis.
• c. 200 AD – Roman doctors document and mention arthritis.
• c. 300 – No taxes in Rome for those suffering from severe arthritis
• 1600 – Renaissance Man: The French physician Guillame Baillou introduces the
idea of rheumatism as a systemic, musculoskeletal condition.
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• 1680 – Insight Into RA: British physician Thomas Sydenham (sometimes called
the English Hippocrates) describes a chronic phase of rheumatic fever in which a
patient may become "a cripple to the day of his death and wholly lose the use of
his limbs whilst the knuckles of his fingers shall become knotty and protuberant
..."
• 1754 - Curzio, a physician in Naples, Italy, first describes the condition known as
scleroderma.
• 1800 - a Parisian doctor makes the first documentation of rheumatoid arthritis.
• 1858 - British physician A.B. Garrod coins the term rheumatoid arthritis.
• 1880 – The first clinical description of RA in France
• 1886 – British physician John K. Spender introduces the term osteoarthritis.
• 1890 – European doctors use quinine later leading to hydroxychloroquine sulfate
in the 1960s as a treatment for lupus, RA and related diseases.
• 1897 – first mention of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, calling it a "form of chronic
joint disease in children." German chemist Felix Hoffman, searching for
something to help ease his father’s arthritis pain, creates aspirin.
• 1907 – modern differentiation between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• 1934 – American Rheumatism Association is formed (renamed American College
of Rheumatology in 1988).
• 1948 –The Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation – now the Arthritis Foundation
– is created with a mission of promoting research and education while improving
treatment and rehabilitation for people with arthritis.
• 1949 –Philip Hench, MD, and Edward Kendall, PhD, first use cortisone in the
treatment of RA.
• 1955 –Tylenol, pain reliever makes it way onto the market
• 1964 – All in the Name: The Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation becomes the
Arthritis Foundation.
• 1966 – National Recognition: The Surgeon General’s report designates arthritis as
a national health menace and recommends a program to decrease disability from
arthritis.
• 1972 – Presidential proclamation declares May National Arthritis Month. 1974 –
Congress passes the National Arthritis Act, which legislates funds for
development of comprehensive arthritis care centers, assistance for medical
schools and establishment of a national commission to develop long-range plans
related to arthritis.
• 1977 – The genetic marker HLA-DR4 is found to be associated with RA.
• 1978 – Government figures say 21.6 million Americans have some form of
arthritis or a related disease.
• 1987 – The Arthritis Foundation launches Arthritis Today.
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• 1988 – FDA approves methotrexate for the treatment of RA.
• 1990 –fibrositis is renamed fibromyalgia syndrome by the American College of
Rheumatology. Scientists also discover a genetic defect that causes OA in some
people.
• 1997 – 1999 –new drug approval from the FDA for the treatment of OA and RA.
Among them are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs that affect the function
of immune cells called T lymphocytes; viscosupplements that ease knee OA pain;
and biologic agents that inhibit a chemical thought to drive RA inflammation and
tissue damage. The Arthritis Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
(ASTHO) join forces, along with 22 other public and private organizations
interested in arthritis, to develop the National Arthritis Action Plan, a
comprehensive, systematic public health approach to reduce the arthritis burden
throughout the United States.
• 1999 – FDA approves a new category of drugs, Cox-2 inhibitors, a sub-category of
NSAIDs that causes less stomach damage. Some 70 million American adults have
arthritis or chronic joint symptoms now and the number of people with arthritis
will continue to grow as baby boomers age.
FROM ONLINE SOURCES: (adapted here from
http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/2000_archives/2000_01
_02_TimeLine.asp where it can be accessed in its entirety),
© Copyright 2007, Arthritis Foundation. All Rights Reserved.