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There are many things you can do to help control your arthritis pain. The goals of these methods are to control pain by:

learning new ways to reduce pain

taking as few pain medicines as possible

changing pain habits that disrupt your normal lifestyle

increasing your physical and social activity so you can return to an active life, as much as possible

The methods listed here will work differently for different people. So, some methods may work for you, but some may not. Some methods are things you can do for yourself. Others require help from your doctor or other health professionals. Talk to your doctor about these methods. With a little practice, you will find the right ones for you.

Taking control

Your mind plays an important role in how you feel pain and in how you respond to illness. People with arthritis often feel helpless and depressed about their condition. With these feelings, come decreased activity, poor self-esteem, and increased pain. So, building a sense of control by adjusting your thoughts and actions is an important part of pain management.

Below are some ways you can take control of your thoughts and actions to help control your pain. Thinking differently may not get rid of your pain entirely, but having a more positive attitude can help. Many of these methods are easier said than done. But with practice and patience, you can master them, too.

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