Arthritis Archive

If knee pain and swelling are severe an are not getting better, see your primary care doctor for a thorough evalucation. Image: Thinkstock

Arthritis is not the only possible cause of knee pain, swelling, and disability.

Ask the doctor

Q. I take warfarin for my atrial fibrillation. I know it can increase the risk of bleeding. Is it okay for me to take ibuprofen for my arthritis?

A. In general, you should avoid ibuprofen—which is sold as Advil, Motrin, and generics—while taking warfarin, because taking them together may further increase your risk of bleeding.

Depression is fairly common among people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent research suggests that depression may worsen RA symptoms and even make medications less effective. To date, the studies that indicate a connection between the severity of RA symptoms and depression have not been conclusive, so more research is needed. In the meantime, if you have RA and notice signs of depression, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Painful knees and sleeplessness often go hand in hand, but a form of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with both problems, according to a study in Arthritis and Rheumatology.

The study involved 100 people ages 50 to 70 with wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) in the knee as well as insomnia. They were chosen at random for either eight sessions of CBT or a comparison treatment, called desensitization therapy, known not to be very effective for insomnia.

A few simple measures can protect your most flexible joint and put it back in service after overuse or injury.

All you need to do is rotate your arm to realize what a marvel your shoulder is. It's the body's most flexible joint and one of the most essential. Whether you're reaching the top shelf, swinging a golf club, or washing your hair, "it's the one joint you can't stop using," says Karen Weber, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. "We do a lot of repetitive motions with our arms. When our shoulder muscles aren't strong, we can set ourselves up for injury," Weber says.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your reliance on medication to control symptoms and stay functional.

The pain from an arthritic knee can be intense, limiting daily activities and independence. Men can try a range of medications, but overall acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) appears to relieve pain only slightly better than a placebo pill, according to a research review in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The researchers pooled results from 137 randomized clinical trials involving about 33,000 people with knee arthritis and compared the relative effectiveness of the following treatments:

The telltale sign is leg pain and fatigue that comes on with activity and goes away with rest.

Although these powerful pain relievers can be addictive, opioids are safe for most people when used properly.