Pain is important. It lets us know when something is wrong. Pain is our body's warning that lets us know that we have an injury. We have nerves that take signals from an injury to the brain. The signals are read and our brain tells us to get away from danger. Pain can come from an injury with a clear cause such as a cut or a burn. It can also come from a source that's hard to pinpoint. Doctors are just now starting to realize the full impact that pain can have on overall health. When pain is ignored, it can lead to serious health problems.
The word arthritis means "joint inflammation." When joints are inflamed, it causes pain. For many people, arthritis pain has a large impact on their life.
There are a lot of things that can impact the intensity of arthritis pain. Pain is often affected by physical and emotional factors like depression, activity levels, and stress. Because pain is stressful, it may create a vicious cycle with an ever-widening impact.
While there is not yet a cure for arthritis, much can be done today to reduce pain and boost joint function. Learning how to manage pain over the long term is essential to maintaining a good quality of life. The most important thing you can do to overcome arthritis is to become an active participant in managing your pain. Talk to your doctor about the pain you are feeling. Together you can find the best treatment plan for you.