Therapies work better in the early stages of the disease process. Surgery can work very well, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Anxiety and depression may make your pain worse.

Treatments for rheumatic diseases include rest and relaxation, exercise, appropriate diet, medication, and training about the proper use of joints and ways to preserve energy. The doctor and the patient work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle.

Other treatments include the use of pain relief methods and assisting devices, such as splints or braces. If severe, treatment plans usually combine several types of treatment and vary depending on the rheumatic condition and the patient.

Physical exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. People with a rheumatic disease such as arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

Before starting any exercise program, people with arthritis should talk with their doctor. Exercises that doctors often recommend include:

Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., stretching, dance) to help maintain normal joint movement, increase flexibility, and relieve stiffness.

Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight lifting) to maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.

Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., walking, bicycle riding) to improve cardiovascular fitness to help control weight, and improve overall well-being.

Studies show that aerobic exercise can also reduce inflammation in some joints.

Heat and cold can help to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. The patient and doctor can determine which one works best.

Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Heat therapy can involve paraffin wax treatment, microwaves, ultrasound, or moist heat. Physical therapists are needed for some of these therapies, such as microwave or ultrasound therapy, but patients can apply moist heat themselves. Some ways to apply moist heat include placing warm towels or hot packs on the inflamed joint or taking a warm bath or shower. Read more… »