Questions and Answers about Arthritis Pain
NIAMS studies are also looking at other aspects of pain. At the Specialized Center of Research in Osteoarthritis at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, researchers are studying the human knee and analyzing how injury in one joint may affect other joints. In addition, they are analyzing the effect of pain and analgesics on gait (walking) and comparing pain and gait before and after surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
At the University of Maryland Pain Center in Baltimore, NIAMS researchers are evaluating the use of acupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Preliminary findings suggest that traditional Chinese acupuncture is both safe and effective as an additional therapy for osteoarthritis, and it significantly reduces pain and improves physical function.
At Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, NIAMS researchers have developed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involving both patients and their spouses. The goal of CBT for arthritis pain is to help patients cope more effectively with the long-term demands of a chronic and potentially disabling disease. Researchers are studying whether aerobic fitness, coping abilities, and spousal responses to pain behaviors diminish the patient's pain and disability.
NIAMS-supported research on arthritis pain also includes projects in the Institute's Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. At the University of California in San Francisco, researchers are studying stress factors, including pain, that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Findings from this study will be used to develop patient education programs that will improve a person's ability to deal with rheumatoid arthritis and enhance their quality of life. At the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, health care professionals are monitoring joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis and documenting this information. The goal of the project is to improve doctor-patient communication about pain management and increase patient satisfaction.
Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/872-7100 or call your local chapter, (listed in the telephone directory)
800/283-7800
World Wide Web address: http://www.arthritis.org
This is the major voluntary organization devoted to arthritis. The Foundation publishes a free brochure, Coping With Pain, and a monthly magazine for members that provides up- to-date information on all forms of arthritis. The Foundation also can provide addresses and phone numbers for their local chapters and physician and clinic referrals.
Questions and Answers about Arthritis Pain
In this article
- What Is Arthritis?
- What Is Pain?
- How Many Americans Suffer from Arthritis Pain?
- What Causes Arthritis Pain? Why Is It So Variable?
- How Do Doctors Measure Arthritis Pain?
- What Will Happen When You First Visit a Doctor for Your Arthritis Pain?
- Who Can Treat Arthritis Pain?
- How Is Arthritis Pain Treated?
- Short-Term Relief
- Long-Term Relief
- Weight Reduction
- Exercise
- Surgery
- What Alternative Therapies May Relieve Arthritis Pain?
- How Can You Cope with Arthritis Pain?
- Things You Can Do to Manage Arthritis Pain
- What Research Is Being Conducted on Arthritis Pain?
- Where Can You Find More Information on Arthritis Pain?
What Research Is Being Conducted on Arthritis Pain? continued...
NIAMS studies are also looking at other aspects of pain. At the Specialized Center of Research in Osteoarthritis at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, researchers are studying the human knee and analyzing how injury in one joint may affect other joints. In addition, they are analyzing the effect of pain and analgesics on gait (walking) and comparing pain and gait before and after surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
At the University of Maryland Pain Center in Baltimore, NIAMS researchers are evaluating the use of acupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Preliminary findings suggest that traditional Chinese acupuncture is both safe and effective as an additional therapy for osteoarthritis, and it significantly reduces pain and improves physical function.
At Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, NIAMS researchers have developed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involving both patients and their spouses. The goal of CBT for arthritis pain is to help patients cope more effectively with the long-term demands of a chronic and potentially disabling disease. Researchers are studying whether aerobic fitness, coping abilities, and spousal responses to pain behaviors diminish the patient's pain and disability.
NIAMS-supported research on arthritis pain also includes projects in the Institute's Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. At the University of California in San Francisco, researchers are studying stress factors, including pain, that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Findings from this study will be used to develop patient education programs that will improve a person's ability to deal with rheumatoid arthritis and enhance their quality of life. At the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, health care professionals are monitoring joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis and documenting this information. The goal of the project is to improve doctor-patient communication about pain management and increase patient satisfaction.
Where Can You Find More Information on Arthritis Pain?
Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/872-7100 or call your local chapter, (listed in the telephone directory)
800/283-7800
World Wide Web address: http://www.arthritis.org
This is the major voluntary organization devoted to arthritis. The Foundation publishes a free brochure, Coping With Pain, and a monthly magazine for members that provides up- to-date information on all forms of arthritis. The Foundation also can provide addresses and phone numbers for their local chapters and physician and clinic referrals.