You want to know more about arthritis. What can be done to relieve the pain? What are the treatment options? What can you do yourself? Does the treatment have side effects? What can be done if symptoms outside the joints occur? How can this condition affect everyday life? Is an adjusted job needed? Is it really arthritis or rather osteoarthritis?
Arthritis, rheuma and osteoarthritis
Rheuma (rheumatism) and arthritis are both generic names for diseases of the joint. Many joint disorders that are not caused by accidents or injuries, belong to both rheuma and arthritis. Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, the disease of Bechterew, and gout. A special form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. In this case, degeneration of the joint plays a major role.
Treatment options for arthritis
There are many possibilities for treating arthritis. Examples include drugs against pain and inflammation. In addition, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are options. In case of severe joint destruction, surgical joint replacement can be done. Thus, there is a wide range in arthritis treatment options.
An individual choice
Not every treatment is necessary or appropriate for each patient. This depends among others on the severity and extent of the arthritis, and how much it affects your daily life. For example, certain disabilities will give more problems in one profession than in another profession. There are guidelines for the treatment of arthritis. Within these guidelines, there is room for your personal preferences and choices. The side effects of the treatment will bother some patients more than others. Not all patients are the same. Your choice will therefore depend on your personal attitude and feelings.
Arthtitis decision aids
Decision aids can assist you in choosing between arthritis treatment options. They give clarity about the different possibilities. The decision aids are not meant to replace the consult with the doctor. However, you can discuss it with your doctor during your next consult, so that you can make a decision together. You can also use the decision aids to consult with your friends, relatives or acquaintances.
Artritis (OHRI): multiple decision aids about the treatment methods EN
Fibromyalgia: multiple decision aids about the treatment methods DE