Steps for Managing Your Arthritis

• 1). Understand what type of arthritis you have, as this will factor significantly in deciding your treatment options. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, which is more common in women than men, causes the immune system to attack your tissues. For this type of arthritis, you may need immunosuppressants to restrain your immune system from attacking your body. Osteoarthritis, more common in men, is caused by a breakdown in the joints and may require anti-inflammatory medications instead. Schedule an exam with a doctor for an accurate diagnoses of your arthritis.
  
  
• 2). Develop a treatment plan for managing your arthritis with a doctor. Assess your level of discomfort. Since over-the-counter pain medications have fewer side effects than perscription painkillers, decide if your pain is manageable with nonprescription medications. Ask your doctor to suggest options if you need stronger pain relief. Ask your doctor about anti-inflammatory drugs and injectable glucocorticoids. Anti-inflammatory drugs relieve joint swelling and help with pain. Injectable glucocorticoids are steroids used for severe arthritis pain in the knee.
  
  
• 3). Consult an occupational therapist about your daily activities. He will help you find ways to accomplish your activities with minimal irritation and strain to your joints. Ask about physical therapy routines that can help you increase strength and flexibility to protect your arthritic joints. Have your doctor assess the level of damage to your joints. If the damage is severe, or the pain from your arthritis is unmanageable, you may need surgery.
  
  
• 4). Change your lifestyle to reduce arthritis complications. Discuss appropriate exercise routines with your doctor to keep the affected joints from further deteriorating. Maintain a healthy diet to help keep your weight down. The more weight your joints have to carry, the more stress and damage they will sustain. Ask your doctor if you need to be fitted for a brace to protect your joints during high-stress activities. Take breaks during times of high activity to keep from injuring the affected joints, and don't push yourself too hard.