Management
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment of arthritis might involve the following:
- Medication
- Nonpharmacologic therapies
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Splints or joint assistive aids
- Patient education and support
- Weight loss
- Surgery
In conjunction with medical treatment, self-management of arthritis symptoms is very important as well.
The Arthritis Self Management Program, formerly called the Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, both developed by Dr. Kate Lorig of Stanford University, are effective self-management education programs. These programs help people develop the skills needed to manage their arthritis on a day to day basis and gain the confidence to carry it out. The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and Enhance Fitness are examples of programs designed to help people with arthritis increase their physical activity.
For management of specific types of arthritis, refer to Arthritis Types.
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Contact Us:
- Arthritis Program
Mailstop K-51
4770 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
- Phone: 770.488.5464
Fax: 770.488.5964 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
