Living with the pain of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is tough. Many people turn to opioids (strong painkillers) for relief, but recent research shows that this can lead to a cycle of long-term use without solving the root problem.

A new study has found that too many patients rely on opioids, even after being diagnosed with arthritis, instead of getting the treatments that address the actual cause of their pain. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for arthritis care and how we can break this cycle.

What the Study Found

Researchers looked at patients with RA, PsA, and AS in the U.S. to see how often they were using opioids before and after diagnosis. Here’s what they discovered:

• High Opioid Use Before Diagnosis: Many patients were already using opioids to manage pain in the year before their arthritis was diagnosed.

• Continued Use After Diagnosis: Even after being diagnosed, a large number of patients stayed on opioids long-term.

• Missed Treatment Opportunities: A surprising number of patients didn’t receive treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which could target the inflammation causing their pain. For example, in one group, over 65% of RA patients weren’t receiving proper treatment.

Dr. Jeffrey L. Stark, a leading medical expert, explained: “Some patients with arthritis are stuck in a cycle of using painkillers without addressing the underlying inflammation that’s causing their pain.”

Why Long-Term Opioid Use is a Problem

Opioids can help with short-term pain, but they aren’t designed for long-term use. Over time, they can cause serious issues, including dependence, tolerance (needing higher doses for the same relief), and harmful side effects.

For people with arthritis, relying on opioids can also mask symptoms, making it harder for doctors to treat the real problem—inflammation. Without proper treatment, the disease can get worse, leading to more pain and joint damage.

A Better Way to Manage Arthritis Pain

This study highlights the need for a better approach to arthritis care—one that focuses on treating the disease itself, not just managing the pain. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce inflammation, slow down the progression of arthritis, and even help people rely less on painkillers.

Dr. Stark stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment: “We need to focus on therapies that address the disease and help patients feel better in the long run, not just in the short term.”

Here’s what this could look like for patients:

1. Talk to Your Doctor About Treatment Options: If you’ve been relying on opioids, ask your doctor about other therapies that might address the root cause of your arthritis.

2. Understand Your Pain: It’s important to know that arthritis pain often comes from inflammation. Treating the inflammation can provide better, longer-lasting relief.

3. Stay Informed: Ask questions, do your research, and stay involved in your care plan.

What This Means for You

If you’re living with arthritis and struggling with pain, it’s important to know that there are options beyond opioids. Treatments that target the inflammation in your joints can help you feel better and improve your quality of life over time.

At the American Arthritis Foundation, we’re here to help you learn more about these options. Together, we can work toward better care and break the cycle of relying on painkillers.

Final Thoughts

Living with arthritis is challenging, but there’s hope. By shifting the focus from short-term pain relief to long-term disease management, we can help patients feel better, move better, and live better.

Have you faced challenges with arthritis pain management? Share your story with us and let’s work together to find solutions that work for everyone.

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