Arthritis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

A few arthritis-related disorders can be completely cured with treatment. Most are chronic (long-term) conditions, however, and the goal of treatment is to control the pain and minimize joint damage. Chronic arthritis frequently goes in and out of remission.

Complications

• Chronic pain
• Lifestyle restrictions or disability

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

• Your joint pain persists beyond 3 days.
• You have severe unexplained joint pain.
• The affected joint is significantly swollen.
• You have a hard time moving the joint.
• Your skin around the joint is red or hot to the touch.
• You have a fever or have lost weight unintentionally.

Prevention

If arthritis is diagnosed and treated early, you can prevent joint damage. Find out if you have a family history of arthritis and share this information with your doctor, even if you have no joint symptoms.

Osteoarthritis may be more likely to develop if you abuse your joints (injure them many times or over-use them while injured). Take care not to overwork a damaged or sore joint. Similarly, avoid excessive repetitive motions.

Excess weight also increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. See the article on body mass index to learn whether your weight is healthy.

References

Krishnan E. Reduction in long-term functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis from 1977 to 1998: a longitudinal study of 3035 patients. Am J Med. 2003; 115(5): 371-376.

Maini SR. Infliximab treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2004; 30(2): 329-347.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1583-1599.

Simon LS, Lipman AG, Jacox AK, etc. Pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis. 2nd ed. Glenview (IL): American Pain Society (APS); 2002.