Living With Arthritis: Arthritis Keeping Your Joints Healthy

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Living with arthritis

People with arthritis often worry about the possibility of losing mobility, being unable to work, or growing dependent on others. But only a very small percentage of people with arthritis ever become severely disabled. Still, the emotional burdens of arthritis are considerable and may result in stress, anxiety, and depression.

Because living with chronic arthritis can be difficult, many physicians use questionnaires to assess your psychological function. Depression and anxiety are of particular concern.

Your doctor may also ask questions about what type of family and social supports you have available, to determine whether you need additional help. For example, if you live alone and have trouble walking, your doctor may refer you to a social worker who can help arrange for someone to handle shopping and other chores. If you are depressed or have anxiety, you may be referred to a psychiatrist.

Depression. Depression is common in people with chronic diseases. Arthritis specialists have assumed that depression is directly related to the amount of pain and the number of swollen joints a person has, but this isn't always the case. While some people equate a large number of swollen joints with severe disability, those whose favorite pastime is reading or spending time with family might not consider themselves disabled. However, a relatively slight impairment in hand mobility could be devastating for a pianist or artist, and could have a profound emotional impact. Diagnosing and treating depression can be challenging because its symptoms differ from person to person. But effective medications are available, and they often work best in combination with counseling or psychotherapy.

Stress. People with rheumatoid arthritis often report that the disease seems to flare up following stressful events. Because these anecdotes aren't easy to prove scientifically, some doctors have dismissed them. But within the past decade, immunologists have discovered that stress does, in fact, affect immune function. You can help yourself by finding ways to reduce stress.

Sexual intimacy. Arthritis may interfere with sexual intimacy, especially when the hips, knees, or spine are involved. However, even people with severe arthritis can enjoy an active sex life. A flexible attitude often compensates quite well for having a less-than-flexible body. For example, one might experiment with different positions to find the one most comfortable for intercourse; people with hip, knee, or spine arthritis often find it most comfortable when both parties lie on their sides. There are also other mutually gratifying sexual activities besides intercourse.

Many people find that taking an analgesic an hour before sex or having a warm shower lessens muscle and joint stiffness. Rescheduling sexual activity may also help; afternoons may be better if pain and fatigue are worse in the morning, for example.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008